KUALA BERANG: A senior citizen has embarked on an initiative to build a raft pen to avoid incurring big losses due to floods this time in the wake of the impending Northeast Monsoon (MTL).
Mohd Sulong, 73, from Kampung Pengkalan Ajal, Ajil said his bitter experience of losing thousands of ringgit after his livestock was swept away in flood waters made him, despite his ill health, decide to build a pen on a raft.
Mohd said he spent RM500 to build the raft pen using wood as well as floats made from large barrels.
"The pen can accommodate about 150 chickens and ducks. I built the pen myself, without any help, to save costs," he said when met at his home in Kampung Pengkalan Ajal here yesterday.
"It took four months to complete because I was often unwell after suffering a stroke earlier this year." I did it a little by little...but racing against time too as I am worried a flood may suddenly hit."
Mohd said that apart from the raft pen, he also built floating racks made of bamboo inside his house to store electrical appliances such as the washing machine and refrigerator.
According to him, his house gets flooded with chest-high water every year and this results in many items being damaged.
"There are floods at least twice a year. Usually, this happens at the beginning and end of the MTL. Previously, I built a platform inside the house, but sometimes the water rises higher, causing damage to my belongings," said Mohd, who lives there with his wife.
"I hope that this time the important items will be safe. I can't go on having to repair or replace broken electrical items every year."
He also said some residents are building raft storage outside their homes in preparation of the floods. However, he himself is unable to build such storage as it is costly.
Previously, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast that the MTL, also known as the monsoon season in Malaysia, is expected to begin tomorrow and continue until March next year, with five to seven episodes of heavy rain expected to occur during this period, including in Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah. – BERNAMA