Malaysian and Thai authorities are coordinating assistance for 4,000 Malaysians stranded by severe flooding in Hatyai, ensuring their safe return home
BAGAN DATUK: The Foreign Ministry is coordinating with the Thai government to provide assistance for approximately 4,000 Malaysians stranded in Hatyai due to severe flooding.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed the government is receiving continuous updates through the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla.
“We will obtain the latest information from our Consul General in Songkhla, and coordination will be carried out with the Foreign Ministry, and possibly with the Thai Government, as well as the Songkhla governor, to channel assistance to our people there,” he told reporters after officiating a health roadshow here.
Ahmad Zahid stated that heavy vehicles may be provided to transport stranded citizens back to their respective areas in Malaysia as soon as possible.
Media reports confirm the 4,000 stranded Malaysians are currently safe, with water levels expected to recede by midday today.
“Among them are students and teachers, about 40 people, and we hope they will cooperate with the Consul General in Songkhla so they can return to Malaysia,” he added.
As National Disaster Management Committee chairman, Ahmad Zahid also informed the Cabinet that preparedness measures for the Northeast Monsoon were mobilised since November 13.
He confirmed six Malaysian states are currently affected by floods: Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah and Penang, plus parts of northern Perak.
The government has coordinated with relevant agencies to ensure early evacuation alerts are followed three days before expected heavy rain.
Regarding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia candidates potentially affected by floods, Ahmad Zahid said the Education Ministry already has contingency measures in place.
Earlier, he flagged off the Sultan Nazrin Shah Bridge Run 2025 and officiated the National Healthy Malaysia Agenda programme, which attracted 1,951 participants including international guests from Germany, the Maldives and Singapore. – Bernama
