Kluang voters hope floodwaters recede in time for Saturday’s polls

KLUANG – With one day left in the Johor election campaign, voters in the Kluang district, especially the Machap and Layang-Layang state constituencies, have had to endure flash floods.

Voters in the district hope the floodwaters will recede as soon as possible so that they can cast their ballots in Saturday’s polls. 

A total of 202 people from 54 families in Kluang had to be evacuated to three temporary relief centres yesterday due to flash floods following heavy rain two days ago.

Flood victim Kamisah Abu, 42, said she hoped that the floods would recede so she and her family members can vote in the election this time.

“The house is not badly affected; the water rose just slightly, but I hope it recovers because the people will be voting in this very school,” said the housewife at the SK Sg Linau relief centre in Simpang Renggam here today.

SK Sg Linau was among the three centres opened in Kluang, housing 35 victims from seven families other than SK Seri Kenchana (112 victims) and Dewan Kg Kolam Air (58 victims).

Masudin Kasman, 54, said his housing area in Kg Sg Linau was among the flood hotspots as it was a low-lying area.

But the manual worker hoped that the authorities would clear the clogged drains periodically to prevent flash floods each time it rained.

He said he would cast his vote on Saturday if the floods recede fully because the roads in the area were still underwater.

Meanwhile, Ruziah Pantuk, 59, said she managed to save personal and essential items before floodwaters entered her house.

She said the floods that took place yesterday were totally unexpected because floods normally take place at the end of the year in the area.

“I don’t know if there is a solution to the flood problems, because the authorities always do what is apt.

“However, it is difficult every time floods hit because we have to save our items and livestock,” she said.

The areas affected by floods include Bukit Keremoyang, Kg Pisang, Kg Sg Rambai, Kg Mohd Amin, Kg Kolam Air, Kg Sg Linau, Kg Paya Mas and Kg Batu 6. – Bernama, March 10, 2022