VILLAGER USES 50-YEAR-OLD PERAHU TO ASSIST FLOOD VICTIMS IN KAMPUNG LATI

PASIR MAS, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- A villager in Kampung Lati here used a more than 50-year-old perahu golek (traditional boat) to deliver essential supplies to residents affected by the floods yesterday.

Ruslan Che Musa, 44, shared that the perahu golek, which once belonged to his 78-year-old father, was passed down to him a few years ago.

“This perahu is made from seraya wood and was bought by my father from a local carpenter for around RM80 in the 1970s. I also remember my father using it to help the villagers during major floods.

“There’ve been a few big floods since I was born here, but this year, it’s been pretty bad,” he told Bernama today.

He said the 15-metre-long perahu was sturdy and easy to manoeuvre, making it perfect for delivering supplies like food and clean water while the authorities evacuated the villagers.

“There are also villagers who chose to stay in their two-storey homes, so I also help them get supplies,” he said.

Ruslan said he would take good care of the perahu to make it last longer, as it was a priceless family keepsake with great sentimental value.

“I plan to repair and repaint the perahu...I also hope to pass it on to my son one day,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Bernama check in Kampung Lati today found that the road leading to the village has been cut off, with floodwaters reported to have risen above three metres in the area.

Boats from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Team were seen making multiple trips to evacuate residents, but some refused to leave their homes due to concerns about the safety of their property.

-- BERNAMA