MALAYSIAN volunteer rescue teams assisting stranded flood victims in southern Thailand are facing a new challenge as false emergency reports circulated on social media begin to hamper field operations and divert attention from those in real need.
Chairman of the Sungai Petani Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS), Leong Beng Tat, said his team had been inundated with emergency messages on WhatsApp since entering the disaster zone, only to find that many were fabricated by individuals seeking special attention.
“We received many emergency messages, but some were found to be untrue after verification. False information was spread claiming that victims were in critical condition, yet our teams on the ground could not confirm any such cases,” he said when contacted.
He explained that the misinformation has disrupted the planning and execution of rescue operations and has, at times, impeded efforts to reach those genuinely requiring urgent assistance.
“The smooth running of our operation depends on accurate information, and it is carried out based on the actual level of risk and the victims’ needs. Every false report can cause delays of several minutes, and that may be the difference between being safe or not,” he said.
Leong urged members of the public and certain groups not to fabricate or disseminate misleading details simply to attract immediate attention.
Instead, he advised that all reports include precise locations, the number of people involved, and a contactable phone number to ensure rescue teams can act swiftly and effectively.
As of Wednesday, an estimated 1,006 Malaysians have been rescued and evacuated from the affected areas with the assistance of volunteers and non-governmental organisations. - November 27, 2025
