TAIPING, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- Despite her home being inundated following continuous rain since yesterday, 89-year-old Tan Ah Tin remained all smiles as she welcomed her children and grandchildren home for the Lunar New Year.
Tan, who has lived in her Kampung Baru Cina home in Matang near here for nearly 60 years, said she never expected this year’s festivities to become such an unforgettable experience.
"This is the first time my house has been flooded during the Chinese New Year. It has happened before, but never during a major festival.
"I am not sad because all my family members have gathered and celebrate today’s atmosphere with joy," she told Bernama when met at her residence today.
Her granddaughter, Alicia Kwek, 29, who returned from Kuala Lumpur for the festivities, said this year's experience was unforgettable as her holiday plans shifted into a major house-cleaning operation.
"It is very difficult and inconvenient because everything has become messy. We came back to celebrate, planning to eat and be happy, but now we have to clean the house because of the floods.
"We have to sweep the water out immediately so it doesn't dry, because once it dries, it becomes even harder to clean," she said.
Another granddaughter, Seow Woei Ann, 33, said the persistent rain since yesterday had not only dampened the festive mood but also prevented them from carrying out the traditional practice of burning joss sticks and praying.
Seow, a Melaka-based accountant, added that the family is now on constant alert for the possibility of recurring floods as the rain has yet to subside.
"We expect there might be more flooding due to the prolonged rain. We are preparing our belongings now, fearing another (round of) flood tonight," she said.
Meanwhile, Kampung Baru Cina Matang village head Goh Siak Pheow said 10 houses were affected; however, no temporary evacuation centres have been opened as the situation remains under control.
-- BERNAMA
