Ewan Najib Sukarno sending his daughter Nur Akifa Naila, 10, to school in the boat left to him by his grandmother. - Photo: Bernama
BATU PAHAT: When floods hit Kampung Parit Warijo here and the road leading to her house was inundated in water about 1m deep, Nur Akifa Naila Ewan Najib, 10, was worried that she would have to skip school for days.
However, she was able to get to class thanks to a boat that her father, Ewan Najib Sukarno, 46, inherited from his grandmother.
Speaking to Bernama, Ewan Najib said he initially suggested that his youngest child stay home while waiting for the floodwaters to recede.
Still, Nur Akifa Naila insisted on going to school as she didn’t want to miss her lessons.
"Of course, the floodwater that is about 1m deep or about thigh level is not as dangerous for adults, but for children, it still has its risks.
"That is why I used this heirloom boat to send my daughter to primary school in the morning and religious school in the afternoon,” he said.
Elaborating, Ewan Najib said his family had to endure floodwaters for about 750m to get to the main road that was not flooded, where he parked his motorcycle and car.
He added that the distance between his daughter’s schools and their house was about 1.5km.
"Fortunately, there is this boat left by my grandmother. The flood was quite deep compared to the previous one because before, we could use the motorcycle through the flood.
"I am also quite impressed with my daughter’s enthusiasm to go to school despite having to use the boat,” he said.
Nur Akifa Naila said she did not want to miss school, especially when an examination at her religious school is coming up in a few days. - Bernama
