Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that as of the 25th of this month, a total of 27,199 Malaysian citizens who were stranded due to floods in Southern Thailand have been successfully rescued, and it is currently estimated that fewer than 500 Malaysians are still awaiting rescue.
He said that authorities also began this morning to mobilize efforts to assist staff and students from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) who are stranded in Hat Yai.
“A group of lecturers and students from Universiti Utara Malaysia were trapped in the Wangburapa Hotel. This hotel is located in the old town of Hat Yai and, due to its proximity to the river, the fast-flowing water has made rescue operations very difficult. No vehicles, including small boats, are able to reach the location.”
“Even boats are unable to get in. However, the water has started to recede today, and authorities will be launching rescue operations this morning to assist their evacuation.”
Additionally, he said that 27 students and 2 lecturers from Universiti Sains Malaysia have already successfully returned to Malaysia.
Mohamad Hasan explained this while responding to a question from DAP’s Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi during the Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He stated that, according to information received from Malaysia’s consulate in Songkhla this morning, as of the 26th of this month, since the rain has stopped and the flood situation has improved in Thailand, authorities have successfully evacuated 700 Malaysians from Hat Yai to Bukit Kayu Hitam.
“As of the 25th of this month, Immigration Department data shows that 2,204 Malaysians have successfully returned to Malaysia through Bukit Kayu Hitam, Sadao, and Wang Kelian borders.”
He noted that since the floods began, the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and the Consulate in Songkhla have carried out multiple rescue operations, saving 517 Malaysians from 22 hotels and guesthouses in Thailand.
Mohamad Hasan also advised citizens to temporarily cancel trips to the affected areas, recommending cancellation of hotel bookings as well.
“My suggestion is, if you plan to travel to these flood-prone areas during the rainy season, it is better to postpone your plans to avoid getting stranded. According to the Meteorological Department, the rainy season will continue until the end of December. Malaysians, if you have already booked hotels, I advise you to cancel!”
On another note, Mohamad Hasan said that he has already contacted the Thai Foreign Minister to express Malaysia’s readiness to provide aid to Thailand, but was informed that Thailand is able to handle the rescue operations on its own.
Nevertheless, he said many Malaysian volunteer teams and non-governmental organizations have already gone to assist in the rescue efforts.
“Our volunteers have contributed greatly. Our voluntary fire associations from Northern Malaysia, including Perlis, Kedah, and Northern Perak, as well as other NGOs, have all sent volunteers.”