KUALA LUMPUR: Flash flood victims in Yan, Kedah have called for a more efficient disaster management system following two unexpected flash floods over a short period of time.
One of them, Zaiton Osman, 55, said flood victims also want assurance that they are safe in their own houses.
She said the residents are always on their toes for unexpected flash floods.
"After facing two flash floods, we've been continuously preparing our home for any unexpected flooding, such as moving important documents and household items to higher place and parking our cars slightly further away from home.
"However, we need to be assured that the authorities, are going to come up with a better flood management system. We want the guarantee that we are safe in our own home when such a disaster strike.
"There have been many break-ins reported by the residents after dealing with flood, as security of their homes have been compromised. This is another area that the authorities can look into to protect the residents," she said.
Zaiton said her family members and neighbours are reminding each other on ways to protect themselves.
"We help inform one another if we see signs that it is going to rain, or when heavy rain is expected to turn into flood.
"Every night before going to bed we wonder if we are going to wake up with our houses submerged in water," she said.
Mansor Hamid from Kampung Pasir, Gurun, Kedah said although his house is located on higher grounds, he recently saw floodwater rising just inches from his house.
"My backyard recently was submerged in flood water and it could have been worse. Luckily, the rain stopped.
"However, we have taken early precautions in case it gets worse next time. We have started moving household items to higher places. We also place important documents and other necessities inside the house where we can access easily, so that we can evacuate our home faster if things gets bad."
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) earlier issued a forecast that continuous rains and thunderstorms would hit several areas in Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan for the next few days.
Its director Muhammad Helmi was reported saying that heavy rain would continue from today until Oct 29.