PUTRAJAYA: The Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the latest developments in Kazakhstan following the ongoing violence and protests in the country.

       All 79 Malaysians registered with the embassy in Nur-Sultan were safe, it said in a statement, adding that they included diplomats and their dependents at the embassy, as well as at the Matrade and Tourism Malaysia offices in Almaty.

       The embassy has advised Malaysians to give utmost priority to their personal safety and security, avoid protest areas and abide by the instructions issued by the relevant local authorities.

       The Foreign Ministry said Malaysians who require consular assistance in Kazakhstan could contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Nur-Sultan at telephone: +7 (7172) 79 06 90, +77011010233 (after office hours), or email mwnursultan@kln.gov.my.

       Protests broke out in the city of Zhanaozen in Mangystau, Kazakhstan, on Jan 2 over the increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices.

       The protests then spread to other areas of the country before going nationwide.

       Following the unrest, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced a state of emergency in commercial capital Almaty and the oil-rich Mangystau region on Jan 4. — Bernama