Kuala Lumpur, Jul 22 (IANS): Malaysia is removing its citizens from Syria following the fast deteriorating security situation in that country, according to Malaysian foreign minister Anifah Aman.

In a statement, the minister said, the decision to bring the students back was a precautionary measure to ensure their safety and to avoid any untoward incidents, Xinhua reported.

"The government has also decided, as a precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw its ambassador and four other officials from the Embassy of Malaysia in Syria, after the evacuation exercise is completed," he said.

There are 138 Malaysians, including 128 students and 10 expatriates, registered with the Embassy of Malaysia in Damascus; all are safe and accounted for, the statement added.

The foreign ministry has also urged all Malaysian nationals, still in Syria, to return home or leave the country immediately while those planning to visit Syria have been requested to postpone their journey until the security situation improves.