Sungai Sengkang is located about 50m from the main entrance of Kampung Baru Sengkang in Kulai, Johor.
RESIDENTS of Kampung Baru Sengkang in Kulai, Johor, are calling for the deepening of Sungai Sengkang to prevent floods there.
Single mother A. Punitha, 39, said the river was located about 50m from the village’s main entrance and it was last deepened seven years ago.
“That was the last time we experienced floods, before the incident this year.
“The flood was worse this time as water rose knee-high,” she said when met at the temporary relief centre in Kampung Baru Sengkang Multipurpose Hall.
Azizan says the majority of villagers suffered about RM5,000 losses each in the Nov 12 flood.
Punitha said the flood occurred about 6pm on Nov 12 when she was moving her motorcycle up a hill next to her house.
“My parents were at home. My father has mobility issues due to diabetes.
“When the water suddenly rose, we had to immediately leave our house,” she said.
Another single mother K. Tamilselvi, 38, was preparing dinner for her four children in the evening when floodwaters gushed in from under her kitchen door.
“The water came from the back of the house. I immediately stored all important documents safely and got out of the house,” she said.
Natazha says the council deployed a clean-up crew to monitor the drainage.
Tamilselvi, who lives on financial aid from the Welfare Department, only managed to save a pillow and her refrigerator.
Village head Azizan Md Salleh, 54, said the majority of the villagers suffered about RM5,000 losses each as the water rose very quickly and damaged their vehicles as well.
“But the disaster management taskforce was quick to respond and by around 7pm, all the villagers had been moved out of their homes,” he said, adding that there were 27 houses in the village with 139 people.
Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) president Natazha Hariss said that with the help of the Kulai District Office, the council had made early preparations by clearing drains in the area and making sure temporary relief centres were well equipped.
“We also deployed a clean-up crew which monitors all the drainage even when it is not the monsoon season,” he said, adding that the flood victims have also been provided with food aid.
