Thousands of Malaysians still stranded in Hat Yai as rescues continue, says Wisma Putra

PETALING JAYA: Thousands of people, including Malaysians, remain stranded in Hat Yai due to high water levels and strong currents, says Wisma Putra in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 26).

The Foreign Ministry said coordinated rescue efforts have continued to make steady progress and that assistance would continue until all Malaysians are safely evacuated.

“A total of 870 Malaysians were rescued on Tuesday alone with the combined assistance of Malaysian rescue teams and Thai authorities. his follows the 340 Malaysians rescued on Monday, bringing the two-day total to 1,210.”

While the number of stranded Malaysians is decreasing, thousands of people, including Malaysians, remain unable to leave Hat Yai due to high water levels and strong currents.

“As such, priority is being given to those requiring urgent medical or welfare assistance,” the statement read. “Rescue and evacuation efforts are ongoing.”

A team from the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok arrived in Hat Yai on Tuesday evening to strengthen the Consulate General’s operations on the ground, it said.

Working alongside Malaysian non-governmental organisations and the Royal Thai Army, the teams are delivering essential medicine, food and clean water to Malaysians in critical need, with evacuations being carried out wherever conditions allow.

To further strengthen these efforts, 22 jet skis from the Pasukan Bomba Sukarelawan (Volunteer Firefighters) arrived on Wednesday to enhance mobility and reach more affected areas.

Wisma Putra said operations will continue until all registered Malaysians have been safely evacuated.

The ministry said it continues to closely monitor the severe flooding in Hat Yai and surrounding districts in southern Thailand through the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla and the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok.

Malaysians in the affected areas have been advised to remain indoors where possible, stay vigilant and follow instructions issued by local authorities and rescue personnel.

The ministry also strongly urged Malaysians who have not yet registered with the Consulate General in Songkhla or the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok to do so immediately.

“This is to ensure they can be contacted promptly and provided with assistance when needed.”