ALOR STAR: Some 100 residents from 40 families in Taman Layar Phase 4, Jalan Kuala Kedah here are appealing to the authorities to resolve the flash floods in the area over the past six years.
The residents claim that the poor drainage system is causing 40 out of 100 houses in the area to be flooded during heavy rain.
Nor Izani Ibrahim, 49, who has been living here since 2018, said she had complained to the Alor Star City Council (MBAS) but the problem was not resolved.
"I have written to Council several times, but the flash floods problem is still not resolved. We have also filed claims with the Consumer Claims Tribunal, but we only got an award for RM3,000. That is nothing compared with the trouble that we are facing here," she told reporters.
The teacher said the drains would swiftly overflow after just 30 minutes of rain, causing flash floods. She said the floodwaters would take several hours to subside.
"The recent Sunday incident was the worst as the floodwaters breached my house.
"I am living with my 68-year-old mother, who has just recovered from a stroke. Just imagine the headache we face with having to move our furniture and appliances each time it rains," she said.
Government retiree Borhan Md Zain, 72, said the drain behind his house would often overflow during a downpour and flood his home.
He claimed that the flash floods occurred due to stormwater flowing from a nearby residential area, coupled with the poor drainage system.
"We have grown tired of this frequent flooding. We hope the authorities will resolve the matter as soon as possible," he said.
Kubang Rotan assemblyman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin, who visited the affected residents, said he would refer the matter to MBAS.
"The affected residents claimed that stormwater from Phases 1, 2, and 3 of Taman Layar was flowing down to this area, thus causing the flash floods.
"I will refer this matter to MBAS, and we will work on a solution to resolve the problem," said Salleh, who is also the state executive councillor.