KUANTAN: Raised platforms built inside homes have become an essential flood-preparation measure for residents in flood-prone areas of Kuantan district, allowing them to move valuables and household items to higher ground before floodwaters arrive.
Mohd Jamik Abdul Hamid, 54, of Kampung Sungai Belat, said he built a platform in his home as a precaution because the property, located near a stream, was frequently affected by floods.
The father of four said he would move essential belongings onto the platform to prevent them from being damaged or submerged whenever water levels rose.
"This year, floods are expected to be worse than last year, so we have taken precautions by moving our belongings onto the platform early, even though water levels have yet to rise," he told Bernama.
A Bernama check at the Sri Damai Perdana housing area found that other residents were taking similar precautions, while keeping a close watch on water levels before moving their belongings to higher ground.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) in Kuantan has deployed three teams comprising 24 personnel to monitor low-lying areas and flood-prone hotspots.
Kuantan APM Disaster Operations Officer Lt (PA) Aznor Hafizi Ahmad said regular patrols were focused on frequently affected areas, including Batu 3 and Sungai Belat, to ensure assistance could be mobilised quickly in an emergency.
"We are continuously monitoring these hotspots and will take immediate action to assist affected residents whenever necessary," he said after visiting Batu 3 and Sungai Belat.
On Sunday (Nov 8), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN), forecast possible flooding in Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin from Nov 8 to 11, particularly in low-lying and high-risk areas.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) also issued a warning of continuous rain at the alert level today for Kuantan, Pekan, Rompin and Jerantut from Nov 8 to 11. - Bernama
