PM Anwar Expressed Govt's Appreciation To Thailand For Assisting M'sian Citizens Stranded In Hat Yai - Minister Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Government expressed its appreciation to Thailand for the assistance given to Malaysian citizens stranded due to the floods in Hat Yai, said MADANI Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi said Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed the appreciation during the Cabinet meeting today.

"The Prime Minister thanked the Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for the assistance in prioritising Malaysian citizens in the efforts to rescue those stranded in Hat Yai," Fahmi said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting here on Friday.

Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister, said the government also conveyed its appreciation to the country's police force for working closely with the Royal Malaysia Police in assisting Malaysian citizens affected by the floods in southern Thailand.

"The police forces of both countries have a good relationship, and on that front, several efforts are underway," he said.

Earlier, Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) announced that a large-scale rescue operation had been carried out to evacuate 1,459 Malaysian citizens who were stranded, with the assistance of the Royal Thai Army.

According to Wisma Putra, fewer than 300 Malaysian citizens are still stranded in several locations, while two hotels identified as accommodation for Malaysians are still inaccessible due to high water levels, and rescue operations continued today.

In the meantime, Fahmi said the Prime Minister also extended condolences over the high-rise residential complex fire incident in Hong Kong, which has so far claimed more than 70 lives.

The death toll from the massive fire rose to 75, with about 70 others injured and around 200 still unaccounted for more than a day after the incident, according to local authorities yesterday.

Three men have been detained on suspicion of causing death without intent in connection with the fire that occurred in the Tai Po district in the north of the city on Wednesday evening. The fire quickly covered seven of the eight towers at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.

-- BERNAMA