TELUK INTAN: While some flood victims have sought shelter at temporary relief centres, others have chosen to stay in their homes, fearing they could be burgled if left vacant.
Residents of Kampung Batu 7 and Kampung Batu 7½ along Jalan Changkat Jong near here have chosen to remain in their homes despite flooding in the surrounding areas, for their own reasons.
Mohd Azam Ramli, 51, of Kampung Batu 7½, said he has made it a yearly practice to stay home during floods to protect his belongings and valuables.
As the eldest of six, he stays behind to look after the family home during floods while his siblings seek shelter at relief centres.
"I have lived with floods all my life, and seeing neighbours and other flood victims lose their valuables while staying at temporary relief centres has made my family reluctant to leave our home unattended.
"I fear that burglars might target empty homes, especially at night when the village is dark and difficult to keep watch over," he said here on Thursday (Nov 12).
Meanwhile, Egemi Jelaini, 65, of Kampung Batu 7, said he had decided to remain at home rather than move to a relief centre, as the current flooding was not as severe as last year's.
He said he preferred to keep important documents and valuables in his locked home, where he could personally ensure their safety.
Egemi said the rush to prepare for floods could leave doors and windows inadequately secured, making the house vulnerable to break-ins.
Flood victims in Hilir Perak district decreased slightly to 301 from 87 families as at 4 pm today, down from 304 people from 90 families on Thursday morning.
The evacuees are being sheltered at Teluk Intan Municipal Council's Rest House Hall and Langkap Hall, which opened last Friday following the floods. - Bernama
