WhatsApp Connects Malaysians In New Delhi, Nearby Areas

By M. Santhiran NEW DELHI, July 20 (Bernama) -- For some 40 Malaysians working in this Indian capital, loneliness, boredom, lack of companionship and information or other shortcomings seem to be over, thanks to the WhatsApp messaging system. Initiated about two months ago by Malaysia's Deputy High Commissioner to India, Wan Aznainizam Yusri Wan Abdul Rashid, the WhatsApp group has been growing steadily from an initial 15 Malaysians. Its members comprise not only Malaysians residing in New Delhi, but also in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Other than exchanging the usual greetings, they share shopping tips, travel tips and even political developments back home in Malaysia. More importantly, the "Under Delhi" group provides a platform for them to share information on procedures in dealing with Indian government departments, especially for the new arrivals here. Wan Aznainizam Yusri said the high commission always advised Malaysians in the capital and other parts of India to register themselves with the mission. "With all the apps available via smartphone, it is much faster to engage and communicate with all of them and update them on the latest advisories, events and facilities available at the commission," he said. Entrepreneur James Yeoh, who been residing in Gurgaon, Haryana, which is a 45 minute drive from the capital, said it was a good initiative providing a platform for Malaysians to communicate with one another and lend a helping hand in times of need. "We can rely on our fellow Malaysians during difficult times, especially when you are staying in a foreign country," he said. He said he was caught by surprise by the number of Malaysians working and residing in New Delhi and could now look forward to interacting with more of his fellow countrymen. Meanwhile, J. Nagaraja, a technical manager with a manufacturing company in Behror, Rajasthan, about 200km from the capital, said it was a good network to interact with Malaysians. "You can get information almost round the clock and the task is getting much more easier with a few high commission officials in the group," he said. -- BERNAMA