Rantau Panjang Post, run by seven volunteers, provides verified flood updates to 300,000 Facebook followers and aids in community relief efforts.
PASIR MAS: A team of seven volunteers ensures the Rantau Panjang Post (RPP) remains a vital information lifeline for the flood-prone town.
The community Facebook page, established in 2013, delivers accurate and timely flood updates to residents and those with family in the Malaysia-Thailand border area.
Founder Adrian Hakimi Mohd Don, 37, said RPP began as an informal initiative to share basic information about the duty-free zone.
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“But because the town is also located near Sungai Golok and experiences seasonal flooding almost every year, we decided to provide residents and outstation locals with timely updates,” he said.
The page now nears 300,000 followers and has recorded nearly 2,000 concurrent viewers during its flood livestreams.
Its volunteer administrators come from diverse backgrounds including police, firefighting, law, teaching, and trading.
They are supported by over 30 flood crew members stationed at hotspots for rapid information dissemination.
Adrian Hakimi stressed that every update, especially on river levels and road conditions, is thoroughly verified to prevent public panic.
“Before sharing water-level readings, we recheck the figures against official sources, such as via the Info Banjir app,” he said, adding that authorities also refer to RPP.
The team conducts rotational site surveys at key locations like Kampung Kubang Rambutan and the ICQS Complex Gate Two.
During last year’s major flood, water levels reached 11.68 metres, submerging most houses and paralysing the town.
Adrian Hakimi was injured by a loose zinc sheet during a boat inspection, requiring five stitches, but he continued his work.
The volunteers also deliver essential supplies like food and diapers using their own funds and public donations.
They assist in evacuating victims trapped in flooded areas when necessary.
Beyond flood reporting, the team promotes small businesses and assists local entrepreneurs throughout the year. – Bernama
