Malaysians stranded by severe flooding in southern Thailand have expressed their gratitude for the kindness and support shown by Thai citizens, as emergency teams continue to evacuate thousands of people from inundated areas.
Despite rising floodwaters and stressful conditions, many Malaysians said they were moved by the hospitality and concern from locals, who are also affected by the floods.
Some hotels in Hat Yai have even offered free accommodation and meals to stranded guests, according to Malaysia’s Bernama news agency.
Dr. Baharin Baharom, general manager of Cuti Langkawi Sdn Bhd, who is currently stuck in Hat Yai, told Bernama that the gestures have helped ease fears among Malaysians awaiting evacuation.
“We are truly grateful for their generosity,” he said in a statement, “but the water is rising and we were told to leave the lobby as it has started to flood. The second wave is worse and, even though the hotel is on higher ground, water has entered the building.”
He added that the Malaysian Embassy had also sent food for elderly people and children. As the hotel’s kitchen and generator are now flooded, though, he urged authorities to prioritise sending essential medicines for seniors suffering from heart disease and hypertension.
As floods continue to inundate Hat Yai and nearby districts, Malaysia has stepped up emergency assistance, in close coordination with Thai authorities.
Malaysia's Ambassador to Thailand, Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, said the Embassy in Bangkok and the Consulate General in Songkhla are working closely with local officials to ensure food, medicine and other necessities reach stranded Malaysians.
Reports indicate around 1,000 Malaysians remain stuck in Hat Yai, while another 500 are stranded across other southern provinces.
“We, together with the Thai authorities, are working tirelessly to ensure assistance reaches the flood victims,” he told Bernama on Monday.
He urged Malaysians to remain calm and to follow official updates, so they can be safely evacuated when instructed.
Malaysian Consul-General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, said that, as of Sunday, an estimated 2,500 Malaysians have already been evacuated with the help of Thai authorities.
“About 500 were transported to Hat Yai Airport and the bus terminal, while the rest are either at temporary evacuation centres or making their way back to Malaysia,” he said.
He noted that floodwater levels in Hat Yai have continued to rise after heavy overnight rainfall. Local officials reported that 18 temporary evacuation centres are now operating in Hat Yai and Songkhla.
'Despite the challenges, stranded Malaysians say the compassion shown by Thai people has been a source of comfort as both nations work together to manage one of the region’s most severe floods in recent years, according to Bernama.
