ALOR SETAR: More than 1,006 Malaysians have been evacuated as the relief teams from Malaysia were able to reach Central Festival Mall in Hatyai today as water levels were receding.

The chairman of Sungai Petani volunteer fire brigade team Raymond Leong, who is currently in Hatyai, Thailand, posted on Facebook urging Malaysians stranded in Hatyai to find their ways to Central Festival mall as the relief teams would be picking them up at the area to head home.

Leong managed to enter the city under water with eight rescue boats, five jet skies, several trucks and lorries loaded with supplies.

 With water levels receding in parts of Hatyai, the team is racing against time to deliver essential goods and prioritise the evacuation of high-risk groups such as the elderly, women, and children.

Leong urged the public not to make unnecessary calls unless there is an emergency, as calls would drain rescue resources.

“Four rescue team phones were damaged beyond use after being submerged in water during operations. Still, team members remain steadfast, declaring that they will not retreat until every Malaysian is brought home,’’ he said.

Some stranded individuals have refused evacuation because they were waiting for relatives or were unwilling to leave their luggage behind.

 As rescue boat space is limited and the principle of “saving lives first” must be upheld, large amounts of luggage cannot be taken onboard—causing some delays in the overall rescue efforts.

Outside the Central Festival mall, anxious Malaysian tourists were visibly relieved and excited upon seeing the rescue team arrive. Adults expressed joy at finally being able to return home, while some children appeared tired from the long wait.