BANGKOK: Flooding driven by heavy rains in southern Thailand has killed nine people and displaced more than 13,000, officials said Saturday (Nov 30), as rescue teams using boats and jet skis worked to reach stranded residents.

Preparations are underway after heavier-than-expected monsoon rains caused severe flooding that killed at least three people and displaced more than 80,000.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday barred his cabinet members from going on leave, after the displacement this week of more than 90,000 people in a growing flood disaster that officials fear could be country's worst in a decade.

More than 122,000 people have been forced out of their homes as massive floods caused by relentless rains swept through Malaysia's northern states, disaster officials said Saturday.

Malaysia mobilises nationwide relief efforts to rescue victims affected by flooding, with more than 80,000 people forced to evacuate.