MELAKA: Several flood victims in Melaka were forced to evacuate their homes in the early hours of Thursday (March 6) as they prepared for sahur (pre-dawn meal), said Datuk Rais Yasin.
The Melaka Housing, Local Government and Disaster Management Committee chairman shared that victims recounted their experiences when he met them at four temporary evacuation centres set up following the flash floods.
"Most of these victims were in the middle of preparing sahur when their homes were suddenly submerged in water," he said.
"They had to rush out of their homes and seek help," he added during a visit to one of the evacuation centres at SJKC Malim on Thursday (March 6).
Also present was Melaka Civil Defence Force (APM) Director Lft.Kol (PA) Kamarulsyah Muslim and Chairman of the APM's Associate Officers, Associate Kolonel (PA) Mike Thien.
Rais noted that close to 200 evacuees, including children and senior citizens, had been placed at the four evacuation centres.
He assured that the state government will ensure all evacuees receive appropriate meals for breaking of fast.
"Meals will also be provided equally to non-Muslim evacuees at all the centres. We will make sure that the Ramadan spirit is upheld at all four centres," he added.
The other three evacuation centres currently operating are located at Balai Raya Kampung Lapan, SK Duyong, and SMK Dang Anum in Jasin district.
Continuous heavy rainfall since Thursday morning (March 6) has led to flooding in multiple locations across the historic city, affecting roads and residential areas.
Some of the worst-hit areas include Jalan Ong Kim Wee, Kampung Pengkalan Rama Pantai, Banda Kaba, Taman Desa Duyong, and Lebuh Alor Gajah-Melaka Tengah-Jasin (AMJ) in Cheng and Kampung Chetti.
Other flooded areas include Kampung Batu Berendam, Kampung Kolam, Kampung Limbongan, Taman Pandan Mawar, Jalan Zahir Taman Malim Jaya, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Pandan Jaya, and Taman Gadong Perdana.
Meanwhile, Kampung Padang Pokok Mangga, Bandar Kaba, Bukit Cina, Bukit Tempurung, Kampung Bandar Hilir, Kampung Air Leleh, and several other areas, including Taman Rambai Jaya, Ayer Molek, and Paya Dalam, also experienced rising waters.
When interviewed, Thien said that the corporate officers have prepared boats to assist in rescue missions.
"We are monitoring the situation closely, and our officers will continue to remain on high alert," he said.
