Residents of Taman Desa Setia in Kuala Terengganu appeal for urgent flood mitigation after worst flooding in 15 years damages homes.
KUALA TERENGGANU:Â Residents of Taman Desa Setia in Kampung Sungai Atas Tol are appealing to the authorities for an immediate and permanent solution to the worsening flood problem in their area.
Residents’ representative Mohd Bazli Mohamad, 43, said that possible measures to consider include installing portable pumps to drain stagnant water and prevent serious flooding.
He added that residents from over 100 homes in Taman Desa Setia and surrounding villages have also proposed constructing a tidal gate along the river to prevent sudden overflow, particularly during high tide events.
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“For 15 years, this housing area and neighbouring villages have experienced repeated flooding, but the situation since yesterday (Friday) has been the worst yet. We urge the authorities to urgently take appropriate action to prevent it next year,” he told Bernama at Taman Desa Setia today.
Mohd Bazli explained that the main reasons for the frequent flooding are the area’s location next to the river and its low-lying ground.
He added that rapid housing development has also contributed to the increasingly severe flooding that occurs every year.
“This area used to be padi fields, which were filled in for housing. It seems like every year, a new phase is built. Taman Desa Setia now has four phases, with another new one under construction.
“So just imagine, every year, even more people will be affected by the floods. We’re also worried that it would get worse. As it is, even just two hours of heavy rain is enough to flood our homes,” he said.
Another resident, Mohd Zamri A Wahab, 42, said this latest flood destroyed nearly all the furniture and electrical appliances in his home, even though he had placed everything on raised shelves.
“The floodwater in my house never rose more than a foot, so everything on the shelves stayed dry. But this time, it reached waist-level and even covered the shelves,” he said.
The oil rig worker, who is tired of dealing with floods every year, said he suffered nearly RM8,000 in losses due to damaged belongings, including a refrigerator and washing machine. – Bernama
