Kuala Lumpur, El Sky News – Severe flooding in southern Thailand, particularly around the popular tourist city of Hatyai, has prompted swift action from the Malaysian government. To ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens, Wisma Putra and relevant agencies have activated coordinated emergency and logistical support operations.
Malaysians Stranded: Top Priority
Thousands of Malaysian tourists were reportedly in Hatyai and surrounding areas when the floods peaked, causing major disruptions to transportation and communications. The Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and the Consulate General in Songkhla have become the main operational centers to coordinate assistance.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety of Malaysians stranded in the area and to facilitate their safe return,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We are working closely with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and Thai authorities to provide secure evacuation routes.”
Initial reports indicate that many main roads connecting Hatyai to the Malaysia-Thailand border have been cut off, necessitating the use of alternative routes and, in critical cases, air evacuation.
Cross-Border Cooperation Strengthened
In response, Malaysia has enhanced cooperation with its Thai counterparts, including:
- Logistics Support: Malaysia has deployed search and rescue (SAR) teams along with food and medical supplies through selected land border points.
- Joint Information Centers: Operation centers have been set up at border areas to streamline information verification and the repatriation process.
- Border Management: Immigration procedures have been coordinated to expedite the return of Malaysian citizens while maintaining safety protocols.
Impact on Tourism
The floods in Hatyai also have significant implications for Malaysia’s tourism industry. Hatyai is a major destination for travelers from northern Malaysia, and cancellations and business losses are expected on both sides of the border. Authorities are urging Malaysians to postpone non-essential travel to the affected areas until conditions improve.
Next Steps
The Malaysian government will continue to monitor the situation on an hourly basis and provide official updates via Wisma Putra platforms. Families concerned about relatives in Hatyai are encouraged to contact the emergency hotlines set up by the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla.
