The foreign ministry via the consulate general of Malaysia in Medan confirmed the matter in a statement today.

“Malaysia expresses its condolences and sympathy to the government of the Republic of Indonesia and the families of the victims involved in the incident,” it added.

Malaysians who require consular assistance or have further questions can contact the consulate general of Malaysia in Medan at Jalan P Diponegoro No. 43, Medan 20152 North Sumatra, Republic of Indonesia, or by phone (+62 61 4531342, +62 61 4523992) and email.

On Dec 3, Mount Marapi, the most active volcano on the island of Sumatra, erupted at 2.54pm local time, causing ash rain in the Agam district of West Sumatra where authorities have advised people to wear face masks.

The Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation also reported that the eruption had spewed an ash column containing volcanic material up to 3km from the summit crater.