Fifteen Malaysian tow trucks have been allowed into Thailand to bring back vehicles stranded by the Hat Yai floods, Bernama reports.
“Previously, Malaysian tow trucks were not allowed to enter Thailand, but in this situation, the (Malaysian) consulate discussed with the Thai authorities to allow our trucks into Hat Yai. We estimate there are more than 200 Malaysian vehicles stuck there following the floods since November 22,” Thai insurance operator Ammar Wafiy Johari said recently.
15 vehicles had been brought out as of November 29, and depending on their condition, about 45 vehicles can be recovered a day, Ammar Wafiy said, adding that once in Malaysia, the vehicles will be stored at a secure location before being released to their owners, who must present documents including road tax, insurance and customs forms.
It was reported recently that the vehicles would need to be inspected by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) before they are allowed to leave the Bukit Kayu Hitam immigration, customs, quarantine and security (ICQS) complex. This is to prevent the smuggling of drugs, contraband or other illegal items into Malaysia.
“Each vehicle will receive an inspection confirmation document signed by the on-duty AKPS officer or supervisor. We are aware that trafficking attempts tend to rise during the monsoon season, especially at key border entry points. As such, we will conduct thorough and detailed checks to ensure any attempt to smuggle illegal items is detected and stopped,” Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander Senior Asst Comm Mohd Nasaruddin M Nasir was quoted as saying recently.
Meanwhile, another Thai insurance operator, Mohd Uzair Mohamad Daud, said he would propose to the Consulate General of Malaysia that the number of tow trucks be increased – “At the moment, only 15 tow trucks have been approved, but I believe this is not enough because there are many vehicles to be recovered and each truck can only handle three to five vehicles a day.”
According to tow truck operator Mohd Akmal Aniq Shahabudin, one of the main challenges was locating vehicles that had been moved or swept away by floodwaters, and that getting a vehicle onto a tow truck could take up to an hour an a half depending on its condition.
“When we find the car, some are blocked or trapped under other vehicles. To protect the vehicle, we use support tyres to move it before loading it onto the tow truck, and we try to make sure any parts that can still be saved are not damaged,” he said.
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Well done Malaysian consulate in Thai to work directly with local Thai counterpart to work out a solution for stranded vehicles. It seems Thai side reciprocate with goodwill and allow this request due to this special situation. That’s the price for maintaining good neighbour relationship. Thanks to all parties
If they can only inspect 1 car a day imagine how many days for the 45th car back. And that is just 1 day collection only, Kayu Hitam CIQ will be a vast junkyard full of flood damaged cars waiting for months to get clearance before can enter Msia.
Owners might as well leave the car in Thailand and buy new because 6 months later their cars will be water damaged rust buckets by then thanks to this slowpoke gomen and this slowpoke PMX.
the article says “about 45 vehicles can be recovered a day,”
1 car for sale. Immaculate condition, used as second car only. Unbelievably low mileage. Full service history. Original paint, never involved in accident. No flood car. Trusted seller.
Hehehe