Strong Waves Wreck 80-year Ancestral Home In Batu Rakit

KUALA NERUS, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- A Kampung Pantai resident could only watch helplessly as his ancestral home was destroyed by strong waves.

The 80-year-old house, built by his late grandfather, had long been a cherished gathering place for Zamri Sulong's family during holidays and festive seasons.

He said severe erosion over the years had worsened the situation, eventually destroying the entire structure a few days ago.

“The damage occurred gradually. At first, I repaired and extended the living room to make it more comfortable for our gatherings. 

“But over the past three years, the erosion became so severe that it could no longer be saved. I then moved out and rented another house in September, with assistance from the Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIDAM),” he said when met in Kampung Pantai, here.

Another resident, Mat Yusoff Abdullah, 73, said he and four other family members live in constant worry as it is only about 10 metres between their home and the shoreline. 

He said during the monsoon season, the entire family does not sleep due to fear of being swept away by the waves.

“Many people have moved out because their houses have been destroyed. I am also thinking about it, but I have nowhere else to go.

“I hope the government will act quickly to prevent further erosion. If this problem continues, Kampung Pantai may disappear from the map one day,” he said.

-- BERNAMA