Floods: Smoother Evacuation In Southern Thailand; Communications, Access Issues Persist - Wisma Putra

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Rescue operations for Malaysians stranded in southern Thailand proceeded more smoothly today following improved weather and receding floodwaters, although various logistical and communication challenges continue to hamper coordination on the ground.

Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) Communications and Public Diplomacy Division secretary Zamshari Shaharan said Malaysian rescue teams were exposed to significant risks when entering inundated areas, particularly around the Hat Yai Railway Station and parts of the city centre that were among the worst affected.

He said certain routes were too shallow for boats yet still too deep for vehicles, while large submerged objects - including cars and furniture - further complicated and endangered rescue movements.

“Although water levels in some areas have receded, the currents remain strong. This makes it dangerous for victims to attempt wading out on their own… so we advise them to wait for the rescue team," he said during a briefing on the status of Malaysians affected by the flood disaster in southern Thailand here today.

Zamshari said communication posed one of the biggest challenges, as phone and internet coverage in affected areas was frequently disrupted, resulting in delays in receiving operational updates. Additionally, due to security regulations in the host country, communication devices such as walkie-talkies were not permitted to be brought in.

“Our teams had to rely solely on mobile phones, and in some cases, updates from field personnel were received only two hours later,” he said.

Zamshari added that inaccurate information from the public further complicated operations, as families in Malaysia often reported the whereabouts of their relatives based on outdated messages, even though the individuals might have already relocated.

“This sometimes led our team to arrive at locations that had already been vacated. But as soon as new reports came in, they would turn back - even if it meant wading through fast-moving waters,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including volunteer fire brigades nationwide, the Malaysian Red Crescent, the United Sikhs Malaysia, as well as FTC Insurance, which provided buses to transport hundreds of Malaysians daily to Bukit Kayu Hitam.

Zamshari said the operation would continue until every identified area was confirmed clear of any stranded Malaysians.

“We will see this through to the end. As long as new information comes in, the team will continue to mobilise,” he said.

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

The Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok can be reached at +66-87-028-4659 or +66-2340-5721, or via email at mwbangkok@kln.gov.my.

Alternatively, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla can be contacted at +(6674) 316274 or +(6681) 9901930, with additional lines at +(6674) 324004 and 312353, or via email at mwsongkhla@kln.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA