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THE Government has deployed more than 100,000 personnel and assets from multiple agencies to states affected by severe flooding during the Northeast Monsoon, with evacuee numbers continuing to rise.
Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, said that as of this morning, 11,009 individuals from 3,839 families had been relocated to Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS). The nationwide mobilisation involves the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, RELA, and the Public Works Department.
“The Northeast Monsoon disaster situation will be closely monitored every day to ensure the safety of the people,” he said, adding that special attention is being given to ensure SPM candidates in flood-affected areas are able to sit their examinations safely.
He confirmed that daily monitoring is being conducted by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) through the National Disaster Command Centre to maintain the highest level of public safety.
As of noon, NADMA data recorded 11,518 evacuees from 4,056 families across 63 PPS in 13 districts spanning seven states. Kelantan remains the worst affected with 8,259 evacuees at 33 centres, followed by Perlis, Perak, Kedah, Penang, Terengganu, and Selangor.
Malaysians Stranded in Hatyai Urged Not to Attempt Return as All Six Key Routes Flooded
Meanwhile, in southern Thailand, heavy flooding has rendered six major routes between Hatyai and the Malaysian border impassable, with water levels reaching nearly a metre and even heavy vehicles stranded.
Malaysian tourists trapped in Hatyai have been strongly urged not to attempt to return home on their own.
Leong Beng Tat, chairman of the Sungai Petani Volunteer Fire Brigade, said that eight Malaysian volunteer fire teams en route for assistance were forced to halt in Danok after the main road from Hatyai to Sadao was cut off.
“It’s not just one route that has been affected; we were informed that five other roads are also submerged. The water level is currently dangerous for vehicles, including pick-ups, so we hope Malaysians who are there will not attempt to return on their own,” he said.
Teams from Johor, Perak, Selangor, and Kedah are currently waiting in Danok for official confirmation from Thai authorities before proceeding. Beng Tat urged Malaysians to comply with local instructions and avoid boarding lorries or other vehicles to escape the flood zone.
“All six routes to the border remain submerged up to waist level, and many lorries are stranded. It is dangerous to attempt to leave on your own,” he added.
He noted that the weather remains highly unstable with continuous rain, and that boat travel from Sadao to Hatyai would take three to four hours, with long distances and unsafe conditions making it unsuitable.
Songkhla Declares All 16 Districts Disaster Zones as Floods Deepen
Songkhla Governor Ratthasart Chidchoo today declared all 16 districts disaster zones following relentless rainfall that triggered widespread flooding and crippled mobility across the province.
The emergency declaration, issued at 10am, includes orders for mass evacuations targeting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the sick. Military and civilian assets have been mobilised for rescue operations, according to reports from The Nation.
Na Thawi district faces the most critical conditions, with floods engulfing 10 areas and 92 villages, affecting over 15,000 households and more than 50,000 residents. All major and secondary roads have been cut off, leaving water routes as the sole means of access.
Despite a slight 10cm drop in water levels between 6am and 9am, continued rainfall has raised fears of a second wave of flooding.
Evacuations Hampered by Terrain and Shortage of Boats
Na Thawi District Chief, Warintorn Thongkhao, confirmed that temporary evacuation centres have been opened across the district but said that relocation efforts are progressing slowly due to strong currents and challenging terrain.
He issued an urgent appeal for support from central authorities and external aid teams.
“All agencies have deployed personnel, but the current manpower is still insufficient to handle the scale of this emergency. We are in urgent need of flat-bottomed boats, rescue equipment, and additional emergency supplies,” he said.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the military, and partner agencies are accelerating deliveries of essential supplies, though bottlenecks along water routes have caused unavoidable delays.
Authorities have warned residents that persistent rainfall could trigger another flood surge, especially in low-lying and remote villages. People have been urged to evacuate immediately, prioritise safety, and comply with official directives. - November 24, 2025