Almost 1,500 Malaysians evacuated from Hat Yai

PETALING JAYA: Evacuation efforts of Malaysians affected by the severe flooding in Hat Yai, Thailand, are progressing well with nearly 1,500 people already brought to safety, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Friday (Nov 28).

In a statement, Wisma Putra said operations were carried out by the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla, the Royal Thai Army, and Malaysian non-governmental groups.

“The Foreign Affairs Ministry, through the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla and the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok, continues to closely monitor and coordinate evacuation operations following the severe flooding in Hat Yai and surrounding districts,” it said.

With rainfall easing, floodwaters receded significantly on Wednesday, allowing heavy vehicles to re-enter most areas except for a few pockets where water levels remained high.

According to the ministry, a major rescue involving 38 Malaysian university students and lecturers was completed between 8am and 1pm with the assistance of the Royal Thai Army.

Overall, 1,459 Malaysians were evacuated from more than 25 hotels and transported safely to the Bukit Kayu Hitam border crossing on Nov 27.

By the end of the day, only two targeted hotels remained inaccessible due to lingering floodwaters.

Based on current estimates, fewer than 300 Malaysians are still stranded, and operations will continue.

“It is hoped that today’s operations will complete the remaining evacuations, though efforts will continue until it has been confirmed that all affected Malaysians have been safely assisted,” the ministry said.

Wisma Putra urged Malaysians who have yet to register their presence or whose locations are still unknown to rescue teams to immediately contact the Consulate General in Songkhla or the embassy in Bangkok to ensure timely assistance.

For consular help, the public may contact the Foreign Affairs Ministry Operations Room (Putrajaya) at 603 8887 4570, or the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok at [phone], or the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla at [phone].