Malaysia Intensifies Rescue Efforts As Hat Yai Floods Worsen

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysian rescue teams, working closely with Thai authorities, have rescued 1,210 Malaysians from flood-hit Hat Yai and nearby districts in southern Thailand, as heavy rain continues to hamper operations.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla and the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok are closely monitoring the severe flooding. The situation remains challenging with heavy rain continuing on Wednesday.

The ministry said coordinated rescue efforts have made steady progress despite the challenging conditions.

“On Nov 25 (Tuesday) alone, 870 Malaysians were rescued with the combined assistance of Malaysian rescue teams and Thai authorities. This follows the 340 Malaysians rescued on Nov 24  (Monday), bringing the two-day total to 1,210,” read the statement. 

The Foreign Ministry assured that the operations will continue until all registered Malaysians are safely evacuated.

It also advised those in affected areas to stay indoors where possible, remain alert, and follow instructions from Thai authorities and rescue teams.

While the number of stranded Malaysians has decreased, the ministry said thousands of people, including Malaysians, are unable to leave Hat Yai due to high water levels and strong currents. 

As such, it said that priority is being given to those requiring urgent medical or welfare assistance.

The ministry said a team from the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok arrived in Hat Yai on Tuesday evening to reinforce the consulate general’s on-ground operations.

It added that the teams are also working with Malaysian NGOs and the Royal Thai Army to deliver essential medicine, food, and clean water to Malaysians in critical need, with evacuations being carried out whenever conditions permit.

To boost mobility and reach more affected areas, the ministry noted that 22 jet skis from the Pasukan Bomba Sukarelawan arrived Hat Yai on Wednesday.

The ministry also strongly urged Malaysians who have not registered with the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla or the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok to do so immediately to ensure timely assistance.

The ministry will continue to monitor developments and provide further updates as necessary.

For consular assistance, Malaysians may contact the Foreign Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya at +603-8887 4570 or via e-mail at dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.

The Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok can be reached at +66-87-028-4659 or +66-2340-5721, while e-mails may be directed to mwbangkok@kln.gov.my.

Furthermore, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla is contactable at +(6674) 316274 or +(6681) 9901930, with additional lines available at +(6674) 324004 and 312353. E-mails may be sent to mwsongkhla@kln.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA