GEORGE TOWN, Nov 28: Penang’s Bukit Bendera Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS) has ramped up efforts to rescue Malaysians stranded in Hat Yai, Thailand, particularly those in hotels, amid concerns that flooding may worsen over the coming days due to forecasts of heavy rain.
Bukit Bendera PBS operations chief Teoh Chuang Piau, who is in Hat Yai, said some of the Malaysians rescued by his team were suffering from diarrhoea, fever, and other ailments. Two or three individuals have been sent to the hospital for further treatment.
“We departed from Bukit Bendera yesterday morning at around 8 am and arrived three hours later in Hat Yai. We brought six personnel along with a fire utility vehicle, a rescue boat, and an Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) ambulance for the operation,” he told Bernama.
“Upon arrival, we immediately began rescuing victims trapped in hotels around Hat Yai. Our focus was not only on Malaysians but anyone still stranded in the area,” he added.
The rescued victims were transferred to a car park at Central Hat Yai Shopping Mall, which served as a gathering point before being transported back to Malaysia via the Sadoa route, leading to the Danok and Bukit Kayu Hitam border crossings.
Teoh said Thursday’s fair weather, with only the occasional shower, was a good break for the rescue operations as floodwater was receding. However, there were still several hotels the rescue team could not reach due to strong, high water currents.
He said there were currently more than 20 PBS and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Malaysia in Hat Yai carrying out rescue operations, and it is understood that many are still trapped in hotels.
According to him, from Penang alone, there are five to six PBS teams with NGOs, including St John Ambulance in Hat Yai, not only helping out with rescue but also providing initial health treatment to the sick or injured.
“We are stepping up efforts to rescue those still stranded here as reports suggest that a third wave of heavy rain could cause water levels to rise again, worsening the flooding. All rescued Malaysians will be sent back on buses arranged for the journey.
“Although roads around Sadao were still flooded yesterday, I have been informed that the water has receded today, and many buses are now being brought in to safely transport our people home,” he said.
Teoh said the Bukit Bendera team would be in Hat Yai for two to three days to ensure that all stranded victims are rescued and safely returned to Malaysia.
He also expressed gratitude for the local community’s support, particularly in preparing meals for the flood victims. He acknowledged that the military had also assisted by providing food and drinks.
“If the flood situation worsens and many more people remain stranded, we will continue our efforts in Hat Yai to assist with the rescue and the logistics of getting people out,” Teoh added, noting that the Bukit Bendera PBS team was in good health.
He said the Malaysians rescued had expressed sincere gratitude for the assistance provided, and even people from other countries were appreciative of the help from the PBS team and Malaysian NGOs.
“The rescue teams in Hat Yai also thanked us for arriving swiftly to help not only our citizens but also local residents,” he said.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry has advised Malaysian families who believe their relatives may still be stranded in Hat Yai to contact the Operation Room, especially in cases involving elderly individuals, patients, or those facing communication difficulties.
For consular assistance, Malaysians can contact the Foreign Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya at +603-8887 4570 or by email at dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.
The Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok can be contacted at +66-87-028-4659 or +66-2340-5721, or via email at mwbangkok@kln.gov.my.
The Malaysian Consulate-General in Songkhla can be contacted at +(6674) 316274 or +(6681) 9901930, and additional numbers +(6674) 324004 and 312353 or via email at mwsongkhla@kln.gov.my.
— BERNAMA