GEORGE TOWN: Malaysians stuck in Hat Yai during the massive floods are now grappling with the costly aftermath of towing and repairing their vehicles.
Businessman Muhammad Afiq Anuar, 25, whose car remains stranded in Thailand, said repairs have gone up to as much as RM15,000.
“It is a brand new car that I bought two months ago, and right now the repairs keep increasing.
“I did not insure my car for perils, as I never thought it would be this bad.
“I travel frequently to Hat Yai for work and am there at least once a month. Even in November last year, there was flooding during my visit, but it was still manageable,” he remarked.
Muhammad Afiq, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, mentioned that he was in Hat Yai on Nov 21. By nightfall, he realised that he was unable to leave the area.
“I was stuck there until Nov 24, and when I last checked on my car, it was half submerged in the floods. I left it there and managed to get a lift back to the border by lorry. I have made three trips so far to check on my car and opted to get it fixed in Thailand,” he said.
Muhammad Afiq expressed uncertainty regarding when he would be able to retrieve his car and whether the repair costs might increase.
“I have been informed that the fuel tank needs to be repaired, the wiring replaced and the oil, battery and other essential components changed,” he said.
Forwarding agent Hafiz Othman, 48, who works at the border in Bukit Kayu Hitam, said he had to arrange for a tow truck to transport four superbikes back to Batu Pahat in Johor.
“My friends came down for a day trip and got stuck in the floods. The water completely submerged all four of their motorcycles.
“Although they parked in the hotel’s designated parking space, the entire ground floor was flooded, which meant their motorcycles did not stand a chance.
“It cost them RM1,250 per motorcycle to have it towed from the heart of Hat Yai to Johor,” he said.
Hafiz said the majority of their motorcycles were priced between RM50,000 and RM60,000 when purchased second-hand, indicating that the costs for repairs would be significant.
“A planned one-night visit became an unforeseen eight-day stranding in Hat Yai,” he said.
Even Wilson Yew, 38, a frequent aid provider to flood-hit Hat Yai, found himself trapped, though he ultimately managed to get out.
“I was there on Nov 21 with some friends and we had to park our cars on higher ground to avoid the floods. We noticed the water subsiding for a bit on Nov 23 and took the opportunity to drive back to Bukit Kayu Hitam.
“Others were not as lucky; the scene looked almost dystopian, littered with damaged cars,” he said.
The gadget shop owner said many fellow Malaysians are now slowly having their vehicles towed back to the border.
“From speaking to fellow Malaysians stuck there, it costs them 7,000 to 7,500 baht (RM902 to RM967) to tow your car from Hat Yai to the Bukit Kayu Hitam border. After that, it is on you to get a Malaysian tow truck to take your vehicle back to your state.
“We have been trying to assist Malaysians stuck there, but as they do not have insurance coverage, it is going to be costly,” he said.
