36 UUM students and 2 lecturers rescued in Hatyai floods through Malaysia–Thailand coordination
PETALING JAYA: Close coordination between multiple agencies in Malaysia and Thailand enabled the successful rescue of 36 Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) students and two lecturers who were stranded in Hatyai following severe floods, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir announced today.
Zambry said he was deeply relieved that the group, who had been cut off after heavy flooding disrupted major routes in the southern Thai city, were now safe and under the supervision of Malaysian authorities.
“Syukur Alhamdulillah. All 36 UUM students and two lecturers who were stranded in Hatyai due to the floods have been successfully rescued earlier today. They are now safe and will be moved to temporary accommodation before arrangements are made to bring them home to Malaysia,” he said in a Facebook post.
He credited the smooth operation to the rapid response and cooperation of agencies on both sides of the border which included diplomatic missions, education authorities and local Thai rescue teams who worked together under challenging conditions.
“I would like to express my highest appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Malaysian Embassy in Thailand, the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Songkhla, the Thai authorities, local rescue teams and the UUM management.
Their effective coordination played a crucial role in ensuring the rescue operation was carried out safely and in an orderly manner.”
He added that arrangements were being finalised to transport the students and lecturers back to Malaysia. Until then, they were being housed at a secure temporary location while awaiting logistics clearance.
Zambry said that ensuring the group’s welfare remained the ministry’s priority, including providing food, accommodation, medical attention and timely communication with families in Malaysia.
He also assured the public that the government would continue monitoring the flood situation in southern Thailand and stand ready to assist any Malaysians affected.
“We pray that the remaining processes will be eased. Insya-Allah.”
Flooding in Hatyai, triggered by days of continuous rainfall, has caused widespread disruptions, stranded travellers and forced emergency response measures across the region.
The UUM group was reported to have been in the area for a university-related programme when the floods struck.
