Malaysian Travel Company Employees Stranded in Hotel During Hat Yai Floods on Thai Exchange Visit

(Hat Yai, Thailand, 23rd) — Ten employees from 'Cuti Cuti Langkawi' Sdn Bhd, who traveled to southern Thailand for an exchange visit, encountered the floods in Hat Yai and are currently stranded at a local hotel, but all are safe.

Mohamad Aizzat, Sales and Marketing Executive of 'Cuti Cuti Langkawi' Sdn Bhd, said they arrived in southern Thailand on November 21 for an exchange visit with local tourism bodies but were forced to stay due to the floods.

“We are currently staying at Paradise Hotel. As of November 22, the flood situation has worsened, with water levels continuously rising.”

“However, we are very thankful to the hotel and local tourism authorities for their thoughtful care. The hotel has provided free lunch and dinner to all stranded guests.”

He also expressed gratitude to the Thai government for its efficient flood warning system, which enabled them to stay informed and take appropriate action.

Baharim, general manager of Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd, said that for safety reasons, the hotel’s power supply has been cut off for now, but water supply is still available.

Meanwhile, four staff members of Pulau Langkawi FM radio station, who went to Hat Yai for a three-day, two-night holiday, were also stranded by the floods.

Wan Nur Akikin (33), a reporter and host at the station, said that upon arriving in Hat Yai for a three-day, two-night holiday, the floodwaters began to rise soon after, hindering their movement.

“I came to Hat Yai with three colleagues from Pulau Langkawi FM for a vacation. For me, the impact is even greater as I brought my husband and two children, one of whom is still an infant.”

“My main concern is food supply and necessities for the baby since we only brought just enough for three days and two nights.”

She said this during a phone interview with Harian Metro.

She expressed further concern as their hotel has been without electricity and water since early morning.

Her colleague, Mohamad Amirul Shaswan (30), said they cannot leave the hotel as surrounding areas are flooded.

“The water level is still rising, so we can only stay in the hotel, which has already lost power and water. It has been raining non-stop since last night, and the entire surrounding area is inundated.”

“We originally planned to return to Malaysia tomorrow, but if the situation worsens, we might be forced to extend the holiday.”