KUALA LUMPUR – Shamirul Alif Zulman, 24, was close to death’s door when he was nearly swept away by floodwaters along the Central Spine Road (CSR) near Bentong last Sunday.
His trailer broke down at around 1am as he attempted to drive through the flooded road.
Within 30 minutes, he had to climb onto the roof of his trailer as waters continued to rise swiftly. He tried to swim to safety as the trailer started to float, and managed to grab onto a rattan tree.
“I was on my way from Batu Caves to Gua Musang, Kelantan. As soon as I reached the CSR highway, I noticed the flooding ahead.
“After driving for a while, suddenly the engine died. At that time, the water level was not high. In that half an hour, I sat in the trailer and packed up my things. The water suddenly rose,” he told Getaran today.
Panicked, Shamirul – who is more affectionately known as Acik – climbed onto the roof of the trailer to save himself.
Shamirul said he managed to video call and share his last location to his brother Muhamad Afiq Aizat Zulman, 19, before his phone battery ran out.
“I managed to send the location to my brother, then my phone died. Coincidentally, my brother works in Raub. When he arrived at the scene, the trailer had already sunk.
“When I tried to swim to safety, I came across four barrels of oil. I grabbed one before clinging onto a thorny rattan tree. I did not have a choice. I was soaked in the cold until 5am.
“There was also a snake that passed me by. I continued to climb onto a nearby tree. The water levels around the tree were very deep. I think it was more than 5m.
“At that time, it was like I was between life and death. I never stopped praying, trusting, and trying to climb the trees.”
Shamirul is the second child of five siblings, and was rescued by his brother with the help of Mempaga residents at about 8.30am.
“I suddenly heard the sound of a boat engine, but I could not see it (the boat). I heard people screaming ‘Acik’ over and over again. I shouted back. At first, my brother could not see me as there were many trees around.
“When he finally saw me, he was shocked to see me clinging onto a tree.”
Shamirul was rushed to Raub Hospital at about 9am, but was allowed to return the same day.
“My condition is getting better, but I still feel pain in my body due to wounds.
“Thank you to everyone who was involved in my rescue mission. I am indebted to you all. I will never forget this experience,” he said.
Meanwhile, Afiq felt nothing but relief when he found his brother safe.
“Acik was already weak and cold with cramps, bruises, and cuts from the rattan tree.
“I dreamed that my brother was safe. God willing, he is now safe, I feel relieved.” – The Vibes, December 22, 2021
