KUALA BERANG: Continuous heavy rain since last Friday has caused several villages in the district to be flooded, with rural communities forced to endure a new round of hardship.
Wan Amirul Wan Zuki, 29, from Kampung Pasir Dula, said that water began to fill his yard around 5.30pm yesterday, prompting his family to evacuate their home.
Amirul explained that his family would likely be among the first to relocate, possibly to the temporary flood relief centre (PPS) at Balai Raya Kampung Pasir Dula.
He added that the location of his home, near the confluence of the Deru and Telemong Rivers, often leads to flooding due to the merging of these waterways.
"This time, the water level reached only two metres, compared to eight metres during the previous flood," he said.
"However, I've chosen to wait and see before moving my belongings," Amirul explained.
Kuala Berang is a town located in the state of Terengganu, on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also known for its picturesque landscapes, including the nearby Kenyir Lake, which is a popular destination for eco-tourism, and its rich cultural heritage.
He mentioned that his family's annual experience with flooding helps him judge when to relocate.
Amirul also noted that his family would use a fiberglass boat to move to a safer location.
So far this year, they have had to move four times due to floods.
Reflecting on past experiences, Amirul recalled times when flooding occurred shortly after they had just cleaned their house.
He added that, generally, floodwaters in his village recede quickly.
"If the rain doesn't continue, the water level will begin to drop. If it does, the level rises again. But we always stay alert," he said.
"We remain fearful that the water might rise suddenly, so it's essential to remain vigilant, as our house is prone to flooding."
Meanwhile, his neighbour, 52-year-old Fatimah Deraman, said she took early precautions by moving to a relative's house in a nearby village.
"I moved early to avoid complications, as my home was already submerged under two metres of water. I hope the rain doesn't last."
"It has become routine for my family to evacuate three to four times a year due to flooding," she added.