Malaysia embassy in Bangkok on standby to give shelter for Malaysian

Malaysian embassy in Bangkok on standby to give shelter

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian embassy in Bangkok is prepared for the worst as floodwaters advanced into the Thai capital.

Deputy Chief of Mission Tajul Aman Mohammad said the embassy would provide shelter to Malaysians affected by the flood.

“So far, the situation in Bangkok is still okay. Some areas to the north in the city are flooded, but the main city centre area is normal and roads are passable,” Tajul Aman said in a telephone interview from Bangkok yesterday.

“If there is a need to provide shelter or sanctuary to Malaysians, we are prepared.”

He said that so far, the embassy had not received any distress call from Malaysians who are in Bangkok.

“There are about 350 Malaysians who are registered with the embassy and most are professionals who work here. We have not received any distress call and I think most of them have come up with contingency plans.”

He said the embassy had received many calls and e-mail from Malaysians asking if it was safe to visit Bangkok.

“We do not advise them against coming, as most of the tourist areas are okay. However, for those who come to Bangkok to play golf, we had to tell them that many golf courses located in the north of Bangkok are flooded,” he said.

The Malaysian Association of Travel and Tour Agents (Matta) said many of its members received cancellations from customers who had booked tours and flights to Bangkok.

“Some of the airlines have also offered to refund flight tickets to its customers who cancelled,” said Matta deputy president John Tan.

He also advised Malaysians not to make non-essential trips to Bangkok until the situation improves.

Bernama reported that the National Service Training Programme Alumni secretariat would send 3.5 tonnes of food and other necessities to help flood victims in Thailand.

Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said this was the first delivery and more assistance would be sent later.

“The aid will be delivered via land route to the Royal Thai Air Force base in Hat Yai this Friday before being distributed to the flood victims,” he said at the PLKN Camp in Templer Park, near here, yesterday.

Dr Abdul Latiff said the goods were contributed by private companies, associations and individuals who sympathised with the people of Thailand affected by the prolonged flood.

“As a neighbouring country, Malaysia should respond to the emergency call made by Thailand and help them face the natural disaster,” he said.