It’s business as usual despite floods

Health screening: Rantau Panjang Health Clinic staff checking on the flood victims at the temporary relief centre in Masjid Kampung Padang Licin. — Bernama

PASIR MAS: Business continues in Rantau Panjang despite the closure of several routes and roads here due to rising water from Sg Golok.

Floodwaters of up to half a metre high did not deter hawker Natasa Berahim, 26, from carrying on with her business.

As a precaution, she packed up all her items in case there is a need to suddenly relocate.

“I have been trading here for five years. With this water level, it is still safe to do business.

“However, considering the rising water, traders are prepared to move their merchandise as quickly as possible,” she said when met by Bernama yesterday.

She said although some shops were closed, many remained open, adding that eateries still attracted customers although their premises were flooded.

Using a boat to transport her goods, 53-year-old trader Azizah Abdul Rahman is ecstatic because her kuih putu halba is selling well.

Azizah’s stall along one of the flooded Rantau Panjang routes is inundated by 0.2m of water.

“Since my own house is submerged in half a metre of water, I have to use a boat to transport the ingredients for putu halba.

“Many people came to see the water level in this town and that contributed to the popularity of my kuih,” she said when met in Rantau Panjang town yesterday.

Azizah’s boat is being operated by her 18-year-old son, Aisal Zailani, while one of her daughters, Siti Nur Hafifi Zailani, 16, is helping her sell the kuih.

“Currently, the river water is rising slowly. If the level exceeds 0.5m, I will close my stall,” she said.

Rantau Panjang Fire and Rescue Department chief Shapawi Stapa said some people, including children, were still found playing in floodwaters in several areas.

“We told parents to supervise their children’s movements during the floods, especially in the face of strong currents, to prevent any untoward incident,” he said.

Among the locations still inundated around Rantau Panjang town are Kampung Bagus, Kampung Kedai Lama and Kampung Kubang Rambutan.