Rantau Panjang Traders Take Early Precautions Ahead Of Northeast Monsoon

PASIR MAS, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- As the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) is expected to hit this month, traders in the Rantau Panjang Duty Free Zone have started taking early precautions by arranging their goods on high shelves and specially built platforms to prevent losses from potential floods.

These preparations are not only aimed at protecting their stock but also at ensuring business continuity — their main source of family income.

Having faced floods almost every year, many traders have grown more cautious and creative in safeguarding their goods.

From installing three-metre high iron shelves to using movable wheeled racks, every measure is carefully planned to prevent damage to stocks and equipment and to minimise the heavy losses they previously suffered.

For hardware trader Mohamad Othman, 69, who has been selling kitchenware, baby products, and household items for over 30 years, past experiences have made him more vigilant.

Although he has handed over the business to his daughter, Noriha Mohamad, 40, he still personally monitors flood preparations, especially with heavy rains already beginning last week.

“I built and bought a three-metre-high iron shelf and hired an installer for RM30,000 because I’m worried the water will rise as high as last year. Now, we’ve placed all our stock upstairs,” he told Bernama recently.

Mohamad said his determination to continue the business remains strong, as it supports his family of nine.

He also urged the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and the Public Works Department (PWD)  to engage with the local community to address blocked drainage issues, which often worsen flooding.

“The villagers know the waterways better. So when building new drains or ditches, please consider the actual situation and don’t block the water outlets,” he said, adding that each flood forces him to shut down operations for at least a week due to thick mud that must be cleaned up, resulting in major financial losses.

“Last year, I had to auction off over RM40,000 worth of stock because the items, including blankets and carpets, became musty and unsellable,” he said.

Clothing merchant Darukni Zulkifli, 40, who has operated Kedai Aida Qistina for the past 11 years, also took creative measures by fitting wheels on 50 display racks to make it easier to move goods when floodwaters rise.

“Since floods occur every year, I called a technician to replace the rusty wheels on my racks. The movable racks can be pushed to higher ground. This year, I raised them to chest level because last year, waist level wasn’t enough,” she said.

Darukni recalled that last year’s floods were particularly traumatic after her sewing machine and cash register, worth nearly RM2,000, were destroyed by floodwaters.

“When water enters the shop, everything gets wet. Last year, I had to auction off scarves worth RM150 for just RM35, and even my bawal headscarves were sold for only RM5,” she said.

Meanwhile, food trader Rahmah Abdullah, 74,  who runs the Ma-Kita noodle shop behind a Chinese school here in the area, also made early preparations by stacking her supplies on tables and building a small platform.

“In the event of a flood, we already know what to do. In previous years, the water rose suddenly at night, leaving us no time to move our goods. Last year, I lost nearly RM10,000 when my water pump and kitchen equipment were damaged,” she said.

Meanwhile, a Bernama survey found that on average, traders in Rantau Panjang are now better prepared for the upcoming monsoon season, taking proactive measures such as improving their shelving and storage systems to minimise losses if floods occur. 

-- BERNAMA