Malaysia and Thailand have agreed on a mechanism to streamline the distribution of flood relief supplies to affected communities in southern Thailand, with warehouses identified to store aid from Malaysia.
Malaysian Consul General in Songkhla Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi said the arrangement was agreed with the Songkhla Governor’s Office as part of preparations for potential major floods.
He said relief supplies arriving from Malaysia would be sent directly to designated warehouses, after which Thai authorities would distribute them to affected residents.
If Thai authorities lack sufficient manpower, Malaysian non-governmental organisations could distribute the aid directly with support and guidance from the Thai authorities.
Ahmad Fahmi said the mechanism was developed after last year’s major floods exposed gaps in the storage and distribution of Malaysian relief supplies in Hat Yai.
The consulate is also coordinating with agencies in Malaysia to facilitate the movement of assistance through Thailand if floods affect Malaysia’s northern states, under an arrangement agreed with Thai authorities.
About 7,000 Malaysians were rescued during last year’s major floods in southern Thailand, he said.
Ahmad Fahmi also advised Malaysians planning to travel to southern Thailand between October and January to monitor weather conditions and postpone trips if flood risks increase.
