PETALING JAYA: More than 6,300 Malaysians caught out in the Hat Yai floods have safely crossed back into Malaysia from Thailand, Wisma Putra confirms.
The Foreign Ministry said that those who are still in Hat Yai have been accounted for, adding that they have been staying in multi-storey hotels.
The ministry has activated its Operations Room in Putrajaya (+603-8887 4570) to strengthen coordination and ensure continued assistance for Malaysians affected by the floods in Hat Yai and surrounding districts.
“This is in addition to the ongoing efforts of the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla and the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok, which remain on full alert and continue to support Malaysians on the ground,” it said.
Malaysians in affected areas who are unable to reach the Consulate or the Embassy are advised to directly contact the ministry’s Operations Room for assistance.
“Those who have yet to register their presence with the missions are strongly encouraged to do so immediately to ensure timely support and accurate tracking during this evolving situation,” added Wisma Putra.
In another development, the four lecturers and 36 students of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) who were stranded in Hat Yai without electricity and proper food for the past three days are safe, confirmed university vice chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed.
He told The Star that the group was on a high floor of the Wangburapa Grand Hotel, which kept them safe from the rising waters.
He said so far no health issues were reported among the students and lecturers, adding that they have been mentally strong in facing the challenge.
“It is the supply of food and drinks which has reached quite critical levels. Not only that the water level was high in the area, the currents were strong, hampering rescue efforts,” he said.
However, he said the Consulate General in Songkhla has provided food aid, while kind locals have also helped by providing them with food such as porridge.
He said attempts by the consulate to evacuate the group have been unsuccessful so far due to the condition of the floods. Nevertheless, the consulate has been constantly monitoring the situation.
He said the closure of the land border has also made it difficult for the group to be brought back to Malaysia.
“The lecturers have been updating the situation. We have a WhatsApp group with the parents,” he said, adding that updates of the situation are provided daily.
The group has also been collecting rainwater for bathing and to maintain hygiene.
“Hopefully, the rescue operation of the UUM members can be expedited. We hope they can return to the campus in a good condition,” he said.
The delegation from UUM’s Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy was there to participate in the Thai-Malaysia Cultural Exchange Programme 2025, and was due to return home on Saturday after the event.
