Malaysian heroes honoured following Hat Yai flood rescue

When Tropical Cyclone Senyar unleashed what was described as 300 years’ worth of rain on Hat Yai, entire neighbourhoods were swallowed by floodwaters. Hotels, homes and commercial districts were cut off, leaving thousands stranded without electricity or access to basic necessities.

Amid the devastation, two Malaysian volunteers — Raymond Leong and Kelvin Tung — mobilised under their Monsun Timur Laut (MTL) team, travelling more than 500 kilometres to assist in the emergency response. The humanitarian mission underscored a spirit of Asean solidarity, as Malaysians stepped forward to aid their Thai neighbours in one of the region’s worst flooding episodes in recent memory.

Over several days, the team helped rescue more than 3,000 stranded individuals, navigating treacherous currents and submerged streets to bring families, tourists and elderly residents to safety.

Strategic coordination proves critical

The success of the mission was driven by swift collaboration between two Selangor-based volunteer units. Bomba Komuniti Bandar Utama had recently received a new rescue boat from Bomba Selangor but lacked readiness for an overseas high-risk deployment.

In a decisive move, the vessel was entrusted to Pasukan Bomba Sukarela Kepong, a unit experienced in flood rescue operations. The pairing of new equipment and seasoned personnel proved crucial. Battling water levels that reached up to seven metres, the team extracted families trapped on upper floors and assisted elderly residents who had endured days without power.

The combined Malaysian expertise and resources became a lifeline for thousands caught in the disaster.

Formal recognition

Following their safe return to Kepong, the physical toll of the operation became apparent. Kelvin, visibly exhausted after the mission, was hospitalised within 24 hours and diagnosed with Influenza A, highlighting the punishing conditions faced by the rescuers.

In recognition of their bravery and humanitarian service, Raymond and Kelvin were honoured at the Kepong station, where they were presented with Certificates of Appreciation and Bomba Komuniti T-shirts. The gesture marked formal acknowledgement of a cross-border mission that exemplified courage, sacrifice and regional solidarity in the face of crisis.