Taman Desaru Utama Residents Call For Embankment To Prevent Recurring Floods

By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kadenen

KOTA TINGGI, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Residents of Jalan Balau in Taman Desaru Utama here, are urging authorities to construct a river embankment to address frequent flooding that has plagued the area since 2021.

Jalan Balau Neighbourhood Watch (KRT) chairman Md Johari Dol said the floods are primarily caused by the overflow of Sungai Lebam, which runs behind the residential area.

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Having lived there for a decade, he noted that the neighbourhood has already experienced two floods early this year - on Jan 10 and most recently on Wednesday (Feb 5), affecting 172 residents.

“A flood barrier or embankment is necessary to prevent water from overflowing into our homes. Even if it doesn’t eliminate the problem entirely, it can at least reduce the risk of flooding," he told Bernama recently.

"We’ve faced around five floods so far, with the worst in January 2023 when water levels reached a foot high. The latest one rose to knee level and struck in less than a month,” he added.

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The recurring floods have left residents dealing with damaged property and challenging clean-up efforts.

Nurhaliza Ghazali, 30, said her home suffered significant losses, with furniture and electrical appliances destroyed in the recent flood.

“The heavy rain started before dawn, and the water rose quickly. By the time my husband and I woke up at around 5.30 am, water had already entered the house. We managed to save some items, including one of our cars, but the other was submerged," she said.

For Farah Izzati Azmi, 27, the most difficult part was dealing with the thick mud left behind.

“Cleaning up is tough because of the mud deposits. We have to make sure everything is properly washed. My house is close to the river, so whenever there’s heavy rain, we’re always among the first to be hit by floods,” she said.

Nor Azwa Shakila, 35, also suffered losses, with her mattress, bedding, and other household items ruined.

"Luckily, I haven’t bought my child’s new school uniforms yet - otherwise, they would have been damaged too," she said.

A check by Bernama saw several residents busy clearing out flood-damaged belongings and cleaning their homes.

The flood on Wednesday affected more than 372 people from 106 families in Kota Tinggi, with Taman Desaru Utama being the hardest hit, recording 172 victims. Other affected areas included Taman Penawar Harmoni and Kampung Baru Sungai Mas.

-- BERNAMA