Hatyai: The Foreign Ministry and the Thai Government are coordinating efforts to assist approximately 4,000 Malaysians stranded in Hatyai due to severe flooding, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced. He mentioned that updates on the flood situation in the affected areas will be provided through the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the stranded Malaysians are reported to be safe. Ahmad Zahid stated that the government intends to facilitate their return home as quickly as possible. Measures may include deploying heavy vehicles to transport individuals back to their respective areas. Coordination efforts are being made with the Foreign Ministry and the Thai Government to expedite the process, in collaboration with the Songkhla governor.
Water levels are anticipated to recede by midday, and Ahmad Zahid expressed hope for swift action to aid any remaining stranded Malaysians. Among those affected are approximately 40 students and teachers, who are encouraged to cooperate with the Consul General in Songkhla to ensure a safe return to Malaysia.
In his role as National Disaster Management Committee chairman, Ahmad Zahid informed the Cabinet of preparedness measures mobilized for the Northeast Monsoon season. These include efforts by the Central Disaster Committee and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) since November 13. Currently, six Malaysian states are impacted: Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, and Penang, along with parts of northern Perak.
The government, in coordination with relevant agencies, has issued early evacuation alerts three days prior to anticipated heavy rain and rising water levels. Regarding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates potentially affected by floods, the Education Ministry has reportedly prepared measures to address the situation.
Today's events also included the participation of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad at the 'Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS): Moh Kita Sihat' roadshow, where 1,951 participants joined in three events. Ahmad Zahid flagged off the Sultan Nazrin Shah Bridge Run 2025 for the 5km category and officiated the 2025 National Healthy Malaysia Agenda (ANMS) programme, which included Santuni MADANI with MyCHAMPION and the National Gotong-Royong MEGA (Fight Aedes 2.0).
Participants from Germany, the Maldives, and Singapore took part in the Sultan Nazrin Shah Bridge Run, marking its second edition this year. Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism that the event would become an annual occurrence, emphasizing the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle.