Several routes impassable, forcing rescue teams to use container trucks to evacuate individuals: Foreign minister
PETALING JAYA: Fewer than 500 Malaysians remain stranded in flood-hit Hat Yai, Thailand as of Wednesday morning, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who also said rescue operations are ongoing amid strong currents and limited road access.
He told Parliament yesterday that nearly 27,199 Malaysians have returned from Thailand between Saturday and Tuesday, with evacuation efforts continuing throughout the period.
“Based on the latest report I received (on Wednesday morning), 177 more Malaysians were rescued and more than 700 people have been transferred to Bukit Kayu Hitam as of (Tuesday).”
He said the Immigration Department recorded 2,204 Malaysians crossing the border through Bukit Kayu Hitam, Durian Burung and Wang Kelian as of Wednesday night.
Mohamad was responding to a question from Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) on government measures to assist Malaysians stranded in southern Thailand following severe flooding.
He also confirmed that a group of Malaysian lecturers and students remains trapped at a hotel in Hat Yai’s old town, an area near the river hit by extremely strong currents.
He said rescue boats can now access the area, but several land routes remain impassable to regular vehicles, forcing rescue teams to use container trucks to evacuate individuals until bus transport resumes.
“Since the rain has subsided since Wednesday, teams from central Thailand and volunteers from Hat Yai Municipality are assisting in evacuating hotel guests in areas affected by flooding and inaccessible by vehicles,” he said.
He added that he had contacted his Thai counterpart to check if Malaysian rescue teams were needed, but was told that the situation could be managed locally.
“We have received a great deal of assistance and support from Thai authorities. Many of our volunteers have gone to assist in Thailand. They include volunteer firefighters from northern Malaysia, such as from Perlis, Kedah and northern Perak, as well as members of other NGOs.”
Mohamad also advised the public to postpone travel plans to Thailand due to the monsoon season.
“For Malaysians in southern Thailand, they are advised to take precautions, remain alert to weather conditions and follow announcements or instructions from local authorities.
“The Foreign Ministry, through the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and the consulate-general in Songkhla, will continue to implement the best measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Malaysians there.”
Rescue teams and volunteer groups have organised at least 18 bus trips from Hat Yai to Bukit Kayu Hitam to take stranded citizens across the border.
“In addition, 27 Universiti Sains Malaysia students and two lecturers managed to cross the border via the Betong and Pengkalan Hulu checkpoints.”
Mohamad added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been in regular contact with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul regarding the safety of Malaysians trapped in the affected areas, and Malaysian authorities have received full cooperation from their Thai counterparts.
