Malaysian volunteers in Hatyai report challenges evacuating citizens, with some reluctant to leave luggage or family, as floodwaters begin to recede.
ALOR SETAR: Volunteer rescue teams assisting Malaysians stranded in flood-hit Hatyai encountered unexpected challenges during evacuation efforts.
Some evacuees were reluctant to leave without family members or insisted on bringing large amounts of luggage.
Sungai Petani Volunteer Firefighter Team chairman Leong Beng Tat said these actions hindered the smooth execution of rescue operations.
He explained that limited boat space and the primary principle of saving lives prevented transporting excessive baggage.
As of noon today, volunteer teams have successfully rescued and evacuated 1,006 Malaysians from the city.
Floodwaters in Hatyai began receding early this morning, allowing access to affected areas.
Leong’s team deployed eight rescue boats and several lorries loaded with relief supplies.
Receding water levels enabled volunteers to deliver necessities and prioritise evacuating senior citizens, women, and children.
The volunteer team members are working tirelessly to ensure all Malaysians return safely.
Leong urged the public to avoid non-urgent calls to volunteer teams to prevent disrupting operations.
Four operation team mobile phones were damaged after submersion in floodwaters.
Despite challenging conditions, the team continues working non-stop to complete the rescue mission.
