NIBONG TEBAL – As the rainy season begins on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the residents of Sg Kechil at Nibong Tebal in Penang have learned to accept the annual floods as a matter of fact that is no longer an unexpected occurrence.
“Three years ago, it was so bad that it came up to waist level, so, many things were destroyed,” a resident, who only wants to be known as Siti Hajah and who has suffered from the yearly deluge, told The Vibes.
“This time, the floodwaters did not only affect my village, but it also affected the factory where I worked; this is the first time it happened.”
Upstream from her village is a small dam where several residents in the area are tasked to release water when needed or to stop the water flow into the river when there is heavy rain.
She added that those on dam duty work like doctors on call, especially when there’s a heavy downpour.
“When it rains heavily, they will have to rush over to check if the water levels are okay and if water can still be allowed to flow into the river. I know they are doing their best, but I think this system has to be upgraded,” observed the village native.
Siti Hajah, who has been living in the village since birth, said that floods happen every year and each time, the villagers have to cope with the damage simply because they had the misfortune of living in low-lying areas.
To manage, she and her neighbours have to move their vehicles to higher ground while trying to save as many of their personal effects as possible.
Last Wednesday saw Sg Kechil overflowing again after an extended period of heavy rain.
Penang welfare exco Phee Boon Poh said that a family of nine, including three children, had to be placed at the Dewan JKKK Sg Kechil at about 1am.
Jawi was also hit by floods affecting over ten homes with waters rising to 50cm by 10pm.
SK Jawi was opened as a relief centre close to midnight when 11 people from four families had to take shelter there. – The Vibes, August 22, 2021
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