SHAH ALAM: Tension ran high among frustrated Taman Sri Muda flood victims as they scurried for food at the temporary Flood Rescue and Operation centre at Persiaran Kemuning Prima here this morning.
Victims were seen pushing and pulling at one another to make sure they received their share of the food that is being distributed.
Many families whose houses were inundated with floodwater have been stuck at home without electricity and proper food since Saturday.
In one incident this morning, a man was seen losing his cool and shouting at victims before him, for taking more than one loaf of bread each, leaving none for him.
The man in his 50s who did not want to be named was heard shouting at those who queued before him for being inconsiderate.
"Don't be selfish. Everyone else also needs to eat," he was heard shouting before a few other residents calmed him down and took him out of the centre.
Later, when speaking to the NST, the man said his wife and grandchildren were waiting at home hungry.
"My neighbour told me they are giving groceries and bread at the command centre. When I got here I saw people rushing to get the free bread but everything was gone in less than five minutes," he said.
He said that one of the residents had even brought his push-trolley to gather the free food and groceries distributed by NGO's and generous individuals.
He said his wife and grandchildren were waiting for food, as all their household items and groceries were washed away with the floodwater yesterday.
Another resident, Mohd Ikmal Mohamed Kamal, 32, said he was disappointed with some of the residents who took advantage of people's generosity.
"Many individuals, groups, political parties and NGO's have been sending food items, cleaning supplies and even cooked meals for those affected but I noticed others from different places are also taking the items for themselves.
"It's not my place to complain but the least they can do is prioritise the flood victims. If there is extra then go ahead give it to someone else," he said.
Ikmal said almost three quarter of his house had been inundated by floodwater due to the continuous rain since Friday.
He managed to move most of his belongings to his renovated attic, where he had been also staying for the past few days.
"Thank god the rain has stopped and the water level is slowly subsiding, otherwise, I too might have needed a rescue boat to save myself," he said.
Ikmal said his 60-year-old mother and younger sister were staying at a relative's house, while he stayed back to take care of their house and belongings.
"The floodwater has come down to almost knee level now," he said.