December 26, 2025 | 04:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has described Indonesia’s Aceh province as a “protector” that has shielded Malaysia from natural disasters, referring to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Senyar, which triggered floods and landslides across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late November 2025.
“Actually, we were safe. In Aceh, thousands of people died. In Malaysia, not a single person died. The reason is that Aceh protects Malaysia,” Mahathir said in a video posted on his Facebook and X accounts on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Mahathir said the cyclone, which formed over the Indian Ocean, failed to reach Malaysia because it was blocked by the island of Sumatra. “Aceh is a protective shield that saves Malaysia,” he said.
He added that while Aceh is now bearing the brunt of the disaster, Malaysia has a moral responsibility to help. According to Mahathir, Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have long acted as a natural barrier that shields Malaysia from major natural calamities.
Mahathir also recalled the 2004 earthquake and tsunami that devastated Aceh’s coastline. “We still remember that in 2004, a tsunami struck and Aceh was destroyed, while Malaysia remained safe,” he said.
“Once again, Aceh is the shield that is protecting Malaysia today, and now they are the ones facing disaster.”
He said many residents in Aceh are currently struggling due to the destruction of homes and shortages of food. As a result, Mahathir urged Malaysians to extend assistance to disaster victims across Sumatra, particularly in Aceh.
Mahathir also called on the public to contribute donations through the Aceh Transition Committee (KPA). “An effort should be made to support the committee established to help the people of Aceh who are facing such tremendous hardship,” he said.
The floods and landslides that struck Sumatra in late November damaged hundreds of thousands of homes across 52 districts and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
According to data from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as of Thursday, December 25, 2025, the disaster has claimed 1,135 lives.
Aceh recorded the highest death toll, with 503 fatalities spread across 18 districts and cities. BNPB also reported that 174 people were still missing as of the latest update.
Read: Flood-Hit North Sumatra Extends Disaster Emergency Status
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