GUA MUSANG: A total of 278 heads of households (KIR), involving 1,093 Orang Asli from five villages in the district, have been affected by floods that have struck the area since Sunday (Dec 14).
Kelantan and Terengganu Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) director Mohd Faedyzal Mohamed said the affected villages are Kampung Pasir Linggi, Kampung Machang, Kampung Kuala Koh, Kampung Aring 5 and Kampung Bering Lama, comprising residents from the Temiar, Bateq and Mendriq tribes.
He said that Kampung Aring 5 recorded the highest number of affected residents, with 83 KIR involving 343 people, followed by Kampung Kuala Koh with 58 KIR (221 residents), Kampung Machang with 55 KIR (187 residents), Kampung Pasir Linggi with 51 KIR (206 residents) and Kampung Bering Lama with 31 KIR involving 136 residents.
"In total, five villages have been affected by the floods, and the situation is being closely monitored by Jakoa to ensure the safety of residents," he told reporters at Kampung Pasir Linggi, Pos Lebir, here Wednesday (Dec 17).
Mohd Faedyzal also advised the community to remain vigilant, given the current situation, and to comply with instructions from the authorities, as well as to immediately contact Jakoa in the event of an emergency during the disaster period.
Meanwhile, Kampung Orang Asli Pos Lebir Village Development and Security Committee chairman Jamlus Musa said that about 20 pupils have had to use boats to cross flooded areas to reach their school, SK Pasir Linggi since Sunday.
According to him, the main road to the village began to be flooded on Dec 14, with water levels reaching chest height, although the situation has improved with water levels receding since Tuesday (Dec 16).
"Throughout the flood period, residents relied on a boat and two bamboo rafts to move around and carry out their daily activities," he said.
On Monday (Dec 15), the Irrigation and Drainage Department issued a flood warning for five districts in Kelantan until Friday (Dec 19), following forecasts of continuous heavy rain that could cause river levels to rise above the danger level.
The districts involved are Gua Musang, Jeli, Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas, covering low-lying areas within a 5km radius of Sungai Kelantan and Sungai Golok basins. - Bernama
