Residents and workers fixing roofs in Taman Ria, Sekinchan after a storm blew through the area. — Photos: KK SHAM/The Star
ON March 11, dark clouds loomed over Taman Ria, in Sekinchan, Selangor, before fierce winds and torrential rain ripped through the neighbourhood.
Within minutes, 48 homes were damaged – roofs were torn off, walls collapsed and houses were left in ruins.
Families who had lived in their homes for decades found themselves displaced overnight.
The major storm was the second to hit the state’s coastal area this month.
Just five days earlier on March 6, a storm tore through Parit 4, Tanjung Karang, about 5km away, destroying eight homes.
For the victims, it was unlike anything they had ever experienced.
A home in Taman Ria with a gaping hole where the roof once was.
Widespread destruction
For Nur Fadilah Sofia Razak, a mother of four, the devastation to her Taman Ria house was more than just structural – it upended her entire life.
“When the ceiling collapsed, my four-year-old daughter was inside, sleeping next to my father.
Storm wiped out Nur Fadilah’s home and catering business.“Thankfully the debris only grazed part of his arm,” she told StarMetro, adding that her daughter was unharmed.
Her home, where she lives with her husband, children, father and sister, was one of the worst hit.
The roof over the kitchen was torn off and other sections were also damaged.
As rainwater seeped in, it caused further damage to electrical wiring, destroying nearly all their household appliances.
“Everything is gone – our TV set, fridge and washing machine. Even the air-conditioner stopped working,” she said.
But the damage extended beyond the four walls – Nur Fadilah’s catering business, which she ran from home, was also affected.
Roof, metal gate ripped off at Linggeswari’s childhood home in Tanjung Karang.“I had to cancel all my Ramadan catering orders worth RM25,000.
“That money was supposed to be for Hari Raya.
“I don’t know how we will recover,” she said.
Like others in the area, the family sought refuge at the Dewan Seri Sekinchan temporary evacuation centre (PPS), returning home during the day to clean up.
However, with the roof still partially exposed and wiring unsafe, the house remains uninhabitable.
“We spent RM5,000 just on roofing materials so far.
“We still need to fix the wiring, rebuild the walls, repair the kitchen and replace the appliances. The cost keeps adding up,” she said.
Residents are also racing against time to complete repairs before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Roof and front section of a Taman Ria home destroyed by the March 11 storm.
“Our contractor will start on the house as soon as he completes another job.
“We need to be home as soon as possible. The whole family can’t wait for that,” Nur Fadilah said.
“It won’t feel the same, but at least we will all be together for Hari Raya.”
Roof, gate ripped off
R. Linggeswari’s family were hard hit as the earlier storm hit their home in Parit 4.
“We have lived here since I was born. I never imagined we would have to move out,” said the housewife and mother of two.
Nor Fasarina (right) collaborating with Civil Defence Department and police at Dewan Seri Sekinchan to assist victims.
The storm ripped off the roof of her father’s home, forcing the family to relocate to a rental property.
“I was home that morning with my father and son and we managed to seek shelter.
“The sounds were unlike anything I had heard before.”
When the storm blew over, she was shocked to see her 6m-long sliding metal gate ripped out off its tracks and flung about 15m towards her front door.
Linggeswari said her biggest challenge was caring for her eight-year-old son with autism, while having to manage the situation.
“He needs stability and routine. But now, we are not even in our own home, so it has been very difficult for him.”
Currently without electricity, the family has yet to assess how much of their home or possessions can be salvaged.
A resident going through household items that had been saved.
“I don’t even know if the fridge still works,” the housewife said, adding that she had to handle most of the cleanup herself while her husband was at work.
Damage control
For Ng Bee Wah, who runs a metal fabrication business, the storm was a harsh reminder of nature’s force.
“We found metal sheets from the roof jammed into our ceiling – the wind really slammed them down hard,” he said after pointing out the damage to his home.
“I can’t imagine what would have happened if the metal sheets had struck a person.”
During StarMetro’s visit, Ng was making temporary repairs to prevent further damage to his property.
“We covered the hole in the roof, but that’s only temporary.
“If another storm comes, it could tear everything off again.
“Many in the area are struggling to source materials for repairs,” he said, adding that he was fortunate to be able to salvage used pieces of roofing from other construction sites.
Contractors with roofing material working at one of the damaged homes in Taman Ria.
“People are just trying to keep the rain out until proper repairs can be done.”
Twice the pain
For another resident who did not want to be named, the storm’s impact was twofold –damaging both her home and her daughter’s home-based baking business.
“It was very nerve-wracking for us because nobody was home during the storm and we only found out when neighbours informed us.”
Her daughter’s baking equipment was soaked during the incident, forcing a cancellation of unfulfilled orders.
“Now, we have lost that income opportunity.”
A house in Parit 4, Tanjung Karang, left in shambles after the March 6 storm.
With two granddaughters under the age of two, she and her family have opted to stay with relatives at Sekinchan Site C New Village.
She added that finding roofing materials to carry out repairs was a struggle.
“The hardware supplier told us there won’t be stock until a few more days.
“I just hope it doesn’t rain again before then.”
Relief efforts
The Sabak Bernam District and Land Office has completed its three-day assessment of the damage, confirming total losses amounting to RM650,000.
At the relief centre, Sabak Bernam chief assistant district officer Mohamad Marwan Ahmad Tajuri said a report would be submitted to the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) for review.
“A working paper will be presented to MTES for the state government to review and determine assistance measures for all victims,” Mohamad Marwan said.
Many residents like Nur Fadilah say they cannot afford to wait and just hope for help.
“We need to fix our homes now,” she said.
At the relief centre, Social Welfare Department officers like Nor Fasarina Jamaludin are collaborating with the Civil Defence Department and police to support victims.
The centre will remain open as long as families need shelter.
“If even one family still needs a place to stay, we will keep it open,” Nor Fasarina said.
