KUALA LUMPUR: Small business owners in Perlis, particularly from the B40 group, are appealing for assistance to recover after the recent wave of floods which has damaged their properties and impacted their businesses.
According to the State Entrepreneurs and Tourism Club, 350 small traders suffered losses amounting to RM350,000 during the first to third waves of the flood.
Among those severely affected were local vegetable farmers, whose crops were submerged in floodwaters.
The flooding destroyed their seedlings, including chillies, limes, and various traditional herbs.
"We hope the authorities can assist us small traders to restart our businesses, as we've been unable to operate for several days now," Norhaliza Ali, a banana chip producer, told TV3's Buletin Utama.
Over five hours of heavy rain on Monday led to floods in Perlis, submerging roads and homes as nearby rivers, drains, and ditches overflowed.
Floodwaters reached ankle height on several roads around Kangar and Arau, disrupting traffic and everyday activities.
In response, five temporary flood relief centres (PPS) were activated, three in Arau and two in Kangar, sheltering 686 victims from 225 families.