SUNGAI PETANI, Nov 28 — After five days of rescuing Malaysians stranded by floods in Hat Yai, Thailand, a Malaysian volunteer team comprising 45 members finally concluded its operation last night.
The Sungai Petani Volunteer Fire Department's head Leong Beng Tat said the team, consisting of volunteers from Johor, Perak, and Selangor, as well as several teams from northern states, will return home today.
"There are still a few victims (Malaysians) in the affected areas, but the operation had to be stopped because several locations have been declared dangerous areas by the Thai military and are not allowed to enter.
"Any new requests for assistance from now on will be channelled to the Thai military and police for further action," he said when contacted today.
Leong added that all volunteers involved in the operation have shown a high commitment to ensure stranded Malaysians receive help.
"All members are involved on a voluntary basis and bear all costs themselves, including leaving their families and work commitments to help stranded Malaysians.
"Throughout the operation, some of our members were injured, but we are still grateful to have been able to save many Malaysian tourists who were trapped," he said.
Leong noted that until yesterday, the rescue team had successfully helped at least 1,500 Malaysians escape flooded areas in Hat Yai and return home safely.
