RANTAU PANJANG: A family of seven from Kampung Tersang here are left in despair, contemplating what their future would be after a part of their house collapsed due to the recent third wave of floods.
Din Abdul Rahman, 58, and his wife Zubaidah Awang Senik, 64, along with their two children and three grandchildren, have been living in the house for over 30 years.
The recent floods have caused the front and back portions of their house to collapse, while the remaining part is already leaning and just waiting to crumble.
Din said until today, they are still seeking shelter at the temporary evacuation centre at SK Gual To'Deh and are uncertain about the house.
"It is heartbreaking to talk about it because that house is our only home. We have nowhere else to go. I cannot afford to build a new house or rent elsewhere.
"That is the only property I have. I am worried about going back because of the condition of the house, with only a few metres that can still be occupied inside.
"If things get desperate, we might have to set up a tent and live in it because we have no other option, considering our financial incapabilities," he said when met today.
Din added initially the house had no issues.
"However, in recent years, severe floods have submerged our house, which is made out of wood.
"Repeated flooding in recent years has caused significant damage and part of the house has collapsed," he explained.
His wife then added: "Life has been from hand to mouth.
"We cannot afford to go anywhere. At the same time, we are concerned about our grandchildren who are still young.
"Our family might have to live under a tent after this," she said while holding back tears.
Meanwhile, at least seven villages, involving more than 6,000 residents are in a dilemma with the lingering issue of stagnant flood water, which is hindering their daily activities.
Despite the sunny weather in recent days, water levels in their yards remain between 0.3 metres to one metre.
The villages involved were Kampung Tersang, Bawah Lembah, Padang Licin, Kusar, Serongga, Tasek Bakong, and Putat Tujuh.
The residents in the areas had to use a boat (perahu) for movement around their homes.
Kampung Tersang village head, Mohd Ariffin Ismail, 61, said they have begun experiencing the situation (stagnant flood water) since the end of November that continues until now.
"Considering the high water levels in Kampung Tersang, it is anticipated that this stagnant flood water will take another month to recede, provided that there is no increase in rainfall during that period.
"However, if it continues to rain, the situation will persist."
Therefore, he appealed to the relevant authorities to take appropriate measures to address the issue of stagnant flood water.