Travel Alert Wisma Putra Calls For Caution Amid Severe Weather

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The Foreign Ministry has urged Malaysians travelling abroad to exercise greater caution amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, including registering their whereabouts with the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or via the MyWorld Alert application. - NSTP/ AZIAH AZMEEKUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry has urged Malaysians travelling abroad to exercise greater caution amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, including registering their whereabouts with the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or via the MyWorld Alert application.
Consul General of Malaysia in Songkhla, Thailand, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, said recent disasters in the region underscored the importance of preparedness, particularly for those visiting countries experiencing monsoon seasons or severe weather events.
He stressed that proper planning and travel insurance were crucial, advising travellers to monitor weather forecasts, make necessary preparations, and anticipate situations such as floods or other unexpected occurrences.
"Ensure your insurance covers disasters, so that in the event of any incident, you are protected against potential losses," he said during a virtual media briefing by the Foreign Ministry on Malaysia's evacuation operations in flood-hit Hat Yai, southern Thailand.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah reminded Malaysians travelling overseas to keep the ministry informed, saying it would greatly assist rescue or evacuation efforts during emergencies.
"We hope Malaysians take every precaution and keep us updated. Inform the ministry of your whereabouts if situations like those in Hat Yai arise," he said.
Malaysia's emergency operations in Hat Yai concluded successfully after more than 600 Malaysians affected by severe flooding that inundated large parts of the city were evacuated.
The disaster followed several days of intense rainfall linked to regional extreme weather patterns, resulting in one of Hat Yai's worst floods in recent years.
The sudden surge of water cut electricity, disrupted the water supply, stranded tourists in high-rise buildings, and submerged vehicles across the city.
Hat Yai is a popular short-haul destination for Malaysians, with over 3.5 million visiting southern Thailand last year. The high number of Malaysian tourists heightened the urgency of the evacuation mission, requiring close coordination between Malaysian missions, Thai authorities, and volunteer groups.
According to Ahmad Fahmi, around 60 to 95 per cent of floodwaters had receded, though some outskirts remained waterlogged, with debris, damaged vehicles, and animal carcasses still obstructing main roads.
He estimated that between 500 and 1,000 vehicles belonging to Malaysians and other visitors were submerged, adding that clean-up and safety restoration could take three to four weeks.
"If people travel to Hat Yai at this time, hotels will not be able to provide the best service. I am concerned about the quality and cleanliness of the food," he said, urging Malaysians to delay non-essential travel to the city.
Wan Zaidi also praised Thai authorities for their assistance, including border officials who "came out to meet them and stamp their passports" to expedite medical cases.
The Ambassador described the operation as reflecting the values of "Malaysia Madani", highlighting the contributions of more than 100 Malaysian volunteers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who assisted without expecting any compensation.
The ministry said that while Malaysia would not restrict travel to southern Thailand or elsewhere, travellers must take responsibility for their own safety and remain aware of potential disasters, noting that advisories are issued based on real-time conditions in Asean countries. — BERNAMA

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