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THE Malaysian volunteer flood rescue operation in Hatyai, southern Thailand, has been suspended after the Thai military deemed several affected zones unsafe due to fast-flowing waters, unstable structures, and hazardous terrain.
The operation, which has been running for five days, involved volunteer teams from Johor, Perak, Selangor, and northern Malaysian states.
Leong Beng Tat, Chief of the Sungai Petani Volunteer Fire Brigade, who coordinated the mission, said the operation was called off at 7pm last night following military instructions.
“We are aware that there are still Malaysian citizens in the affected areas, but volunteers are no longer permitted to continue operations for safety reasons,” he stated.
Leong added that any new requests for assistance will now be redirected to the Thai military and police for follow-up.
“All team members operated on a voluntary basis and covered their own expenses while in Thailand to help Malaysians trapped by the floods.
“Some of our members sustained injuries during the operation, yet we are grateful to have rescued a significant number of Malaysian travellers,” he said.
Since the operation began, the volunteer teams have successfully evacuated at least 1,500 Malaysians from flood-affected areas in Hatyai, ensuring their safe return home.
Leong expressed hope that the Malaysian public would continue to provide moral support to volunteer rescue personnel, who frequently form the frontline response during cross-border natural disasters. - November 28, 2025
