HAT YAI FLOODS HIT INSURANCE COMPANIES, TRAVEL AGENTS

ALOR SETAR, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Demand for insurance coverage packages to Thailand has dropped significantly, following the flood disaster which struck Hat Yai on Nov 22.

Gothai.my Sdn Bhd managing director Mohd Syafiq Johari said since the incident, the company has seen a 90 per cent decline in sales, particularly over this weekend.

“We usually sell around 1,000 insurance packages every Friday to Sunday, to Malaysians entering Thailand, especially Hat Yai, using their own vehicles.

“However, following the floods, demand for insurance coverage at our company has dropped by 90 per cent this week,” he said, when contacted by Bernama, today.

He said that the company, which operates in Napoh, Jitra, also had to issue refunds to customers who cancelled their travel plans to Thailand, particularly to Hat Yai.

According to Mohd Syafiq, the company has refunded customer payments, amounting to tens of thousands of ringgit, since the floods hit Hat Yai a week ago.

“We have no issue refunding customers, as we understand that the situation has prevented them from continuing with their travel plans to Hat Yai,” he said.

He also advised Malaysians planning to travel to southern Thailand, including Hat Yai, using their own vehicles in the future, to purchase insurance which covers natural disasters, and to ensure their overseas protection is activated.

He said that the flood situation in Hat Yai has reportedly receded, with restoration and clean-up efforts now underway. However, it is expected to take several weeks before the city fully recovers and is once again frequented by Malaysians.

Meanwhile, a travel agent offering tour packages to Thailand, Ahmad Afiq Haron, 36, said that he was also affected, as many of his clients cancelled their plans to visit Hat Yai following the floods.

According to him, some clients opted to change their tour packages to other destinations in southern Thailand, particularly Satun.

“Although the floodwaters have receded, I do not encourage Malaysians to visit Hat Yai for now, as I understand the Thai government has warned of the possibility of a second or even third wave of flooding in the area,” he said.

-- BERNAMA