KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 — Fearing for their safety, Malaysians scrambled out of southern Thailand following the bombings in Sadao, Danok and Padang Besar on Sunday.
An immigration officer in Bukit Kayu Hitam said Malaysians took no chances as they fled after the blasts.
“The bombings shocked many Malaysians, who entered the neighbouring country just hours before the blasts, and they made a U-turn back into Malaysia via Bukit Kayu Hitam.
“The traffic queues at our counters have been long since 2pm on Sunday,” he told The Malay Mail.
The officer said the queue, with cars from as far as Haadyai lasted until 10pm.
“The clearance counter out of Bukit Kayu Hitam and entering Thailand was quiet yesterday after the incident.
“Usually, many Malaysians go to Sadao, Danok and Haadyai during the Christmas season,” he said.
Tour operator Tan Kim Bee, 48, said many travellers called to cancel their holiday plans to Haadyai.
“Following the bombings in Sadao and Danok, many customers are reluctant to travel to Haadyai.
“Some called to cancel their New Year trips,” she said, adding that her agency only provided transportation services to Haadyai.
