KUCHING: Chong Yu Jin and his family from Taman Malihah in Matang near here were looking forward to celebrate Chinese New Year this year.
He had even spent close to RM50,000 on preparations for the celebration including renovations for the house.
The family's excitement to usher in the Year of the Monkey, however, was dashed when their house was submerged in one-metre high floods since 6.30pm yesterday.
Chong and his family are now among the 469 people from 103 families in the residential area who had to be evacuated from the houses which were inundated by waist-high water.
"We were busy making preparations for the New Year's Eve reunion dinner when water started coming into the house.
"The rain continued to pour and we knew the situation would worsen before we decided to evacuate at about 5pm," said Chong, adding that it was a sad occasion since he and his family were forced to celebrate the festive day at the relief centre.
Apart from Taman Malihah, other housing estates affected by the floods included Kampung Sungai Lumut, where 29 villagers have been evacuated.