St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) reconfirmed its commitment to serving humanity through a cross-border medical mission to Hatyai, Thailand, following severe flooding that disrupted daily life and access to healthcare.
The mission took place from 26th to 29th November 2025, with a focus on delivering essential medical care to flood victims and responders affected by the disaster.
This mission was carried out with the formal consent and coordination of the Royal Thai Embassy in Malaysia, reflecting strong regional cooperation in times of humanitarian need.
The mission was led under the guidance of experienced SJAM leadership and medical personnel:
Advisor
- YBhg. Dato’ Lai See Ming
- YBhg. Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai
Officer-in-Charge
- Mr. Kong Ming Ho
Principal Staff Officer (Operations) & Mission Person-in-Charge
Team Leader
- Mr. Eugene Wong Ying Wei
National Staff Officer (Operations), SJAM National Headquarters
Mission Members
- Mr. Chew Teck Hou (SJAM Penang)
- Mr. Brandon Yap Ping Shyan (SJAM Penang)
- Mr. Goh Kai Boon (SJAM Penang)
- Mr. Chin Kai Voon (SJAM Penang)
The deployed team comprised two Assistant Medical Officers and three Senior Medics, supported by two 4WD vehicles, one ambulance and one first response vehicle to ensure mobility and access in flood-affected areas.
Mission Objective
The primary objective of the mission was to provide timely and effective medical assistance to evacuees and affected individuals through a mobile clinic concept established at designated Flood Relief Operation Centres.
Priority treatment was accorded to:
- Malaysian victims impacted by the flood
- Rescue personnel involved in flood response operations
- Other individuals requiring immediate medical attention
This approach ensured the continuity of basic healthcare services in areas where access to hospitals and clinics was limited due to flooding.
Scope of Medical Services
The medical team prepared for and managed a wide range of flood-related health conditions, including:
- Upper respiratory tract infections and common colds
- Allergic reactions
- Diarrhoeal illnesses
- Skin infections, wounds and minor cuts
In addition, many patients presented with pre-existing chronic medical conditions after defaulting on their regular medications due to disrupted supply chains. Where possible, the team provided temporary medication support, medical advice, and referral guidance to stabilise patients and prevent further deterioration of health.
Operational Deployment
Medical services were delivered through a mobile clinic concept, allowing the team to deploy flexibly and respond rapidly to changing ground conditions. This enabled SJAM to reach displaced populations and responders who had limited access to immediate medical care.
The team remained operational throughout the mission period, adjusting deployment and service delivery based on patient load and evolving needs on the ground.
Coordination and Logistical Support
The mission benefited greatly from strong collaboration with local and regional partners. In particular, the Central Hatyai Group played a vital role by providing tents, tables, chairs, electricity, and meals for the medical team.
These logistical arrangements ensured a stable and functional working environment for the SJAM team, who operated near Central Hatyai’s main relief centre. The Central Hatyai Group also focused on welfare support through a control centre, mobile kitchen, and donation distribution hub, alongside other volunteer organisations.
SJAM also worked closely with:
- Volunteer Fire Brigade, Sungai Petani
- United Sikh Group
- Central Pattana Group, Thailand
- Ruamkatanyu Foundation, Thailand
- Royal Thai Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand
- Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN)
- Malaysia Embassy in Thailand
Communication and Language Management
Language differences initially posed challenges, particularly when treating non-Malaysian patients. These barriers were effectively mitigated with the assistance of on-site interpreters, enabling accurate patient assessments, clear treatment explanations, and proper follow-up instructions.
Challenges Encountered
Patient turnout was overwhelming, as SJAM operated as the only outbound medical aid provider in the affected area during the mission period. This placed significant pressure on medical supplies.
Although Hatyai Hospital had planned to establish a supporting medical base, this initiative was scaled down due to the hospital being overwhelmed by an internal surge of cases. The SJAM team responded by continuously adapting operations and prioritising cases based on medical urgency.
Team Welfare
Team welfare was well managed throughout the deployment. Accommodation was arranged in Sadao, a designated green zone approximately 56 kilometres from the Hatyai Flood Relief Centre, providing a safe and conducive resting environment for the team.
Meals and basic essential needs were adequately provided, ensuring the team remained rested, motivated, and capable of sustaining continuous operations throughout the mission.
Mission Outcome and Impact
Despite operational challenges, the mission was successfully executed. The team demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and commitment in delivering essential medical services to flood victims and responders.
Over the course of the mission, the SJAM medical team attended to more than 120 patients. Most cases involved common colds, allergic reactions, and minor injuries sustained during flood-related activities. These were managed on site through basic treatment and wound care.
Three patients required advanced medical attention and were promptly referred to local hospitals with the assistance of local ambulance services and the support of the Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand, ensuring timely continuation of care.
Conclusion and Appreciation
The Hatyai Flood Medical Aid Mission achieved its intended objectives and contributed meaningfully to regional flood relief efforts. The mission also provided valuable lessons that will enhance SJAM’s preparedness, coordination, and operational effectiveness in future humanitarian deployments.
