Due to abnormal weather causing severe floods in multiple areas of Vietnam and Thailand, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that in the past three days, over 13,000 Malaysians have left Thailand via the Bukit Kayu Hitam and Padang Besar checkpoints.
“The evacuated Malaysians were sent to Senanarong Fifth Infantry Camp on the outskirts of Hat Yai along the direction toward Songkhla, or to 12 other temporary shelters established by the Hat Yai City Council.”
He made these remarks on Monday while campaigning for the Sabah state election. For safety reasons, he advised Malaysians to postpone travel plans to Thailand and Vietnam.
He said that the flood situation in Vietnam is also worrying, especially in inland and highland areas, where heavy rains and flooding have caused rapidly flowing water and resulted in multiple casualties. However, he confirmed that, according to reports as of 11 a.m. today, no Malaysians have been affected by the floods in Vietnam.
“I receive hourly updates from the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the Embassy in Hanoi... Just this morning at 11 a.m., I received a report from the Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City.”
“The flood is indeed very severe, particularly in inland and central areas, as well as highland provinces like Dak Lak, Lai Chau, and Gia Lai.”
Mohamad Hasan said that he would contact Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son tonight to coordinate all parties' needs. If Vietnam requires emergency assistance, he will contact the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) in Jakarta.