Surveying the damage: Rizal checking his shop in Jalan Haji Ariffin, Endau, which was flooded. — Bernama
MERSING: A traditional bahulu maker in Jalan Haji Ariffin, Endau, has expressed concern that the bad weather in the district will make it difficult for him to obtain coconut husks to continue his business activities.
Rizal Mohamad, 51, who runs the business with his wife Rosnani Said, 51, is also worried that the continuous rain and floods would affect the premises.
“With this kind of weather, it is pretty challenging to obtain coconut husk supply which we usually purchase at RM60 for one small lorry load.
“I’m selling bahulu sabut, bahulu cermai, as well as bahulu in flower and fish shapes, with uncertain income. However, if the coconut husks are available, I can earn around RM250 to RM350 per day,” he told Bernama when met at the premises, which was inundated up to the knee level.
He added that it was the only source of income for his family.
Rizal, who has been running the business since 2017, said the downpour since last Saturday had left his premises flooded.
It also left the coconut husks damp, while two gas cylinders were swept away by the strong current although he managed to retrieve them later.
“If a flood occurs, we would usually close for a while. We are also currently facing uncertain weather conditions,” said the father of eight, adding that he had yet to estimate his losses.
As of noon yesterday, Mersing is the second district with the highest number of evacuees, with 830 people currently seeking shelter at six relief centres.
