Malaysia on Saturday urged its citizens travelling to the Philippines to exercise caution following the Manila government's declaration of a national emergency.

"The Philippines has declared an emergency. I hope Malaysians who want to go the Philippines will obtain the latest information on the situation."

"If it is safe, then it should not be an obstacle for their visit," Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar was quoted as saying by TV3, a private television station in the southern state of Johor.

Syed Hamid urged Malaysians who are already in the Philippines to avoid places where mass protests are held to ensure their safety.

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo proclaimed a national emergency Friday and ordered the arrest of military officers and civilians allegedly involved in a plot to overthrow her government.