Foreign Ministry advises Malaysians to register trips, get disaster insurance and monitor weather amid increasing extreme conditions in travel destinations.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry is urging Malaysians travelling overseas to take greater precautions amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Malaysians should register their whereabouts with the nearest diplomatic mission or through the MyWorld Alert application.
Consul General of Malaysia in Songkhla, Thailand, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi said recent regional disasters highlight the importance of preparedness.
ALSO READ: Malaysian consulate advises postponing travel to flooded southern Thailand
He advised travellers to monitor weather forecasts and make necessary preparations for potential floods or other unexpected events.
“Make sure your insurance includes disaster coverage, so that if anything happens, you are protected against any losses,” he said during a virtual media briefing.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah reminded travellers to keep the ministry informed to assist rescue efforts during emergencies.
“We hope that Malaysians will take careful precautions and keep us informed,” he said.
Malaysia’s emergency operations in flood-hit Hat Yai concluded successfully after evacuating more than 600 affected Malaysians.
The disaster followed several days of intense rainfall linked to regional extreme weather patterns.
Hat Yai is among the most popular short-haul destinations for Malaysians, with over 3.5 million visiting southern Thailand last year.
The large number of Malaysian tourists heightened evacuation urgency, requiring coordination between missions, Thai authorities and volunteer groups.
Ahmad Fahmi reported 60-95% of floodwaters had receded though some outskirts remained waterlogged.
He estimated 500 to 1,000 vehicles belonging to Malaysians and other visitors were submerged.
Clean-up and safety restoration could take three to four weeks, he warned.
“If they come to Hat Yai at this time the hotels will not be able to provide the best service,” he said, urging delayed non-essential travel.
Wan Zaidi praised Thai authorities for their assistance, including border officials who expedited medical cases.
The Ambassador described the operation as aligned with “Malaysia Madani” values, highlighting contributions from more than 100 Malaysian volunteers and NGOs.
The ministry said it won’t restrict travel but emphasised travellers must take responsibility for their safety and stay aware of potential disasters. – Bernama
