Post-flood assistance brings sunshine to Kampung Sungai Berani flood victims

MUAR, Jan 15 -- The post-flood assistance from various parties, including volunteers has brought sunshine to the lives of those affected by the floods at Kampung Sungai Berani, Lenga, here.

A farmer who wants to be known only as Ismail said although the floods this year was not as severe as those in 2006 and 2011, he felt the hardship and pain this time around was more excruciating as he has aged.

To make it worse, he said the floods occurred while we are still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apart from getting food aid, necessities and house cleaning service, Ismail said the residents also received assistance to repair their electrical appliances from the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) Alor Gajah as well as volunteers from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS).

"Alhamdulillah, this time we received all kinds of assistance which have greatly reduced our burden," the father of five told reporters when met at his house today.

Ismail said, with the help of volunteers, the cleaning up only took two days, unlike previous years which took a week or two to complete.

Meanwhile, S'Biha Bahari, 38, said this was the first time she has encountered a flood situation and facing it all alone was like a nightmare as her husband was away at work in Singapore.

However, the mother of two said she managed to overcome all the difficulties after various parties came forward to help, especially in cleaning up the house.

"This is my first flood experience ... on Jan 4, the water rose sharply and I only had time to save some important documents and items," she added.

Earlier, about 200 KBS volunteers  took part in the cleaning operation and provided aid in the form of food and essential equipment to 176 families in Kampung Sungai Berani, Kampung Jawa and Kampung Lenga here today.

Also present to meet the flood victims were KBS Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Bukit Kepong assemblyman Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal.

 -- BERNAMA