THE Malaysian government has stepped up operations to evacuate approximately 4,000 citizens trapped by flash floods in Hatyai, southern Thailand, and surrounding areas, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed.
Speaking after attending the National Health Agenda Malaysia tour programme, Ahmad Zahid said the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla is coordinating closely to identify those still unable to leave the flooded areas, including some 40 students and teachers.
He added that the floodwaters were expected to recede by midday, which would facilitate the repatriation process.
“Coordination is also ongoing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thai government, and the governor of the region. If the situation is urgent, the government may provide heavy vehicles to transport those affected so they can return home immediately,” he said.
Zahid stressed that authorities are constantly receiving updates from the consulate and are prepared to take additional measures if conditions worsen.
He also highlighted heightened preparedness for the Northeast Monsoon, which officially began on November 13, affecting six Malaysian states—Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, Penang—and parts of northern Perak.
“We have coordinated with MetMalaysia, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, the Fire and Rescue Department, and other agencies to issue evacuation alerts at least three days in advance.
“We do not want any lives, property, or essential documents left behind during floods,” he said. The monsoon is expected to persist until mid-March, impacting Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.
The floods in Hatyai, triggered by continuous heavy rain since Friday, left hundreds of Malaysians stranded, including those near border towns such as Danok and Bukit Kayu Hitam.
Among them were 36 students from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and four accompanying lecturers, who were in Thailand for the Thai-MYS Cultural Exchange Programme 2025.
Mimi Nadzirah Afiqah Md Suhaimi, a 21-year-old student, described the challenges: “There is no proper food, only very limited bread.
“The electricity was cut off from early Saturday morning, and water supply failed at night. Phone lines are unstable, making it difficult to contact anyone. We really hope assistance, especially food supplies, can reach us. So far, no help has arrived.”
She added that water had begun to enter the hotel’s lower floors, though all students and staff were safe on the fifth floor.
Professor Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, acting Vice-Chancellor of UUM, assured that the university prioritises the welfare and safety of all students and staff.
“UUM is monitoring the situation closely and liaising with the Malaysian Consulate in Hatyai to ensure all necessary assistance is delivered promptly.
“All students and staff are reported safe, and arrangements are ongoing to continue the programme and facilitate their return once conditions improve,” he said.
Families of the students and staff were urged to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information.
Emergency alerts continue to be sent to students’ mobile phones, reflecting that the floodwaters have not yet fully subsided, and authorities remain vigilant in managing the unfolding crisis. - November 23, 2025
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