KOTA BARU: A trader built his dream home here after saving money for more than 20 years.
On Friday, it was reduced to rubble in the blink of an eye by raging floodwaters.
Mohd Safian Abd Kadir, 44, said he learnt of the incident from a friend about 11pm.
"I built the house three years ago using 20 years' worth of savings from my small business. My wife and I could only cry as we saw the house destroyed so fast.
"There are no words to describe how we feel. This area has never experienced flooding before, but yesterday strong currents swept through our home, causing the structure to crack and collapse," he said.
The trader from Kampung Tujuh, Tumpat, estimates his losses at RM200,000.
He is, however, relieved that his wife, Mariana Muda, 46, and their five children were not in the house at the time of the flooding.
They were staying at the home of his mother-in-law, Halimah Hassan, 90.
Safian said his house had been converted into a homestay. His family used it when there were no guests.
"If there were guests, my family and I would move to my mother-in-law's house, which is just two kilometres away. As it happened, we slept at her house during the flood season to ensure her safety.
"Her house was also flooded, with water rising 0.2 metres. But we didn't relocate as there was a higher level that we could use.
"I hope to rebuild my house. But I don't have the money now as I run only a small business," Safian said.