malaysiang
KUALA BERANG: A senior citizen has embarked on an initiative to build a raft pen to avoid incurring big losses due to floods this time in the wake of the impending Northeast Monsoon (MTL). Mohd Sulong, 73, from Kampung Pengkalan Ajal, Ajil, said his bitter experience of losing thousands of ringgit after his livestock was swept away in flood waters made him, despite his ill health, decide to build a pen on a raft.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd said he spent RM500 to build the raft pen using wood as well as floats made from large barrels. “The pen can accommodate about 150 chickens and ducks. I built the pen myself, without any help, to save costs,” he said when met at his home in Kampung Pengkalan Ajal here today.
He further elaborated that it took four months to complete the project due to his frequent health issues following a stroke earlier this year. “I did it a little by little…but racing against time too as I am worried a flood may suddenly hit,” he added.
Beyond the raft pen, Mohd has also
constructed floating racks made of bamboo inside his house to protect electrical appliances such as the washing machine and refrigerator. He explained that his house experiences chest-high floods annually, leading to significant damage to his possessions.
“There are floods at least twice a year. Usually, this happens at the beginning and end of the MTL. Previously, I built a platform inside the house, but sometimes the water rises higher, causing damage to my belongings,” said Mohd, who lives with his wife. He expressed his hope that this time the important items would be safe, as he can’t afford to repair or replace broken electrical items every year.
Some residents in the area are also taking precautions by building raft storage outside their homes in preparation for the floods, although Mohd mentioned that he is unable to do so due to the high costs involved.
Previously, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecasted that the MTL, also known as the monsoon season in Malaysia, is expect
ed to begin tomorrow and continue until March next year, with five to seven episodes of heavy rain expected to occur during this period, including in Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak, and Sabah.
