GEORGE TOWN: Two weeks after the devastating floods in Hat Yai, Thailand, salvaging stranded Malaysian vehicles has become difficult as waterlogged components start to rust.
Tow truck operator Mohamad Faiz Che Hassan said the retrieval process has been slow and physically demanding as metal parts were already rusting, making them more fragile to handle.
Some vehicles are pinned, crushed or stuck in tight spaces, he said.
“As many cars rely on electronic systems with brakes and gears locked, about half of those we tow require additional tools to move.
“Most vehicles are dented, have shattered windscreens and interiors filled with mud.
“On average, they are about 70% damaged and tow trucks need extra ropes and hydraulic jacks to manage the loads,” said Mohamad Faiz, whose company is among 15 appointed by Thai and Malaysian authorities for the operation.
The floods in Hat Yai last month were caused by days of intense rainfall across Songkhla province.
Roads, hotels and commercial areas were inundated and several districts were cut off.
Malaysian Consul General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, was earlier quoted as saying that over 500 Malaysian-owned vehicles were stranded in Hat Yai due to the floods.
Malaysian tow trucks have since been allowed into the city by Thai authorities to help retrieve the vehicles.
Mohamad Faiz said his company is working with insurance agents, who connect them with vehicle owners, adding that about 80 cars have been towed from the Malaysian-Thai border back into Malaysia.
He said around 50 more vehicles remain submerged in the basement parking areas.
He also said towing can only begin at night due to intensive clean-up operations during the day.
“Before special approval was granted for Malaysian tow trucks to enter Thailand, car owners had to depend on Thai operators to pull their vehicles to the Danok border before we could take over in Bukit Kayu Hitam.
“Now, with approval from both governments, 15 companies, each with one tow truck, are allowed into Thailand to retrieve the vehicles.
“We can only operate at night because the town is filled with debris during the day.
“The damaged cars are first moved to a safe staging point outside the busy areas before being transported back to Malaysia,” he said.
Mohamad Faiz also responded to concerns from owners about the safety of items left in their vehicles.
“There are concerns about accessories or valuables being stolen such as audio players, alloy rims and other components.
“But we have not encountered such cases for now.”
He said the towing charges reflect the labour-intensive work and the risks involved.
“We charge RM750 to tow vehicles from Hat Yai town to the Bukit Kayu Hitam border and about RM2,000 more to transport them to Kuala Lumpur.
“Once the vehicles reach their destinations, owners must work with their insurers or workshops for repairs. Many will have to bear the costs themselves if their vehicles are not insured for perils in Thailand,” he added.
Several local volunteer groups are making relief trips to Hat Yai, including the Bukit Bendera Volunteer Fire Brigade, which will depart tomorrow.
Its operations chief Teoh Chuang Piau said about 15 members would travel in a pickup truck and an ambulance to send food supplies for flood victims.
“We have collected items such as milk, biscuits, cooking oil and detergent.
“We will return the following day as most volunteers need to go back to work,” he said.
Teoh added that since the Thai government has provided cleaning support and essential items, his team will focus on manpower assistance, particularly in welfare-related distribution.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, who met the team before their departure, praised their commitment.
“Safety is the utmost priority but their spirit of volunteerism is admirable.
“In any emergency, they are among the first responders. We commend their efforts,” said Ng, who contributed RM2,000 to the squad.
