Hat Yai Floods: False Reports Disrupt Mission To Help Stranded Malaysians - Rescue Team

ALOR SETAR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian volunteer rescue team working tirelessly to assist Malaysians stranded by floods in Hat Yai, Thailand, is now facing new challenges that are disrupting their mission.

Chairman of the Sungai Petani Volunteer Fire team, Leong Beng Tat, said that since his team entered the disaster zone, they have been inundated with fake information sent through WhatsApp by certain parties, believed to be attempting to secure priority for assistance.

“We have received many emergency messages, but some were found to be untrue after verification.

“For example, there have been claims that certain victims are in critical condition, but our team on the ground has been unable to confirm these reports,” he said when contacted today.

He added that such false information has disrupted operational planning and hindered efforts to assist victims who genuinely need help.

He stressed that the effectiveness of his team’s operations relies heavily on accurate information, as every mission is planned according to the level of risk and the actual needs of the victims.

“Each false report can cause a delay of several minutes - and that may be the difference between being safe and not,” he said.

He urged certain parties not to spread or fabricate information merely to gain attention or immediate assistance.

Leong added that Malaysians seeking help should contact his team directly and provide complete details, including their location, the number of victims involved and a valid contact number.

-- BERNAMA