ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian volunteer rescue team working tirelessly to assist Malaysians stranded by floods in Hat Yai, Thailand, has been inundated with fake information that is hindering their mission.
Chairman of the Sungai Petani Volunteer Fire team, Leong Beng Tat, said that since his team entered the disaster zone, they have continuously received false reports sent through WhatsApp by certain parties, believed to be attempts to secure priority assistance.
"We have received many emergency messages, but some were found to be untrue after verification.
"For example, there have been claims that certain victims are in critical condition, but our team on the ground has been unable to confirm these reports,” he said when contacted on Thursday (Nov 27).
He added that such false information has disrupted operational planning and hindered efforts to assist victims who genuinely need help.
Leong stressed that the effectiveness of his team’s operations relies heavily on accurate information, as every mission is planned according to the level of risk and the actual needs of the victims.
"Each false report can cause a delay of several minutes - and that may be the difference between life and death,” he said.
As such, he urged all parties not to spread or fabricate information merely to gain attention or more immediate assistance.
Leong added that Malaysians seeking help should contact his team directly and provide complete details, including their location, the number of victims involved and a valid contact number. – Bernama
