Tanjong Karang flood shifts candidates' campaign focus

GE15 | Flash floods that hit Tanjong Karang in Selangor early morning today have become a campaigning point for several election candidates.

The disaster, which saw many houses and the Tanjong Karang wet market inundated with about 1m-deep floodwater revealed a sore point among the locals.

Constituents of P95 Tanjong Karang have long bemoaned a weak flood mitigation barrier which has given way several times during high tide.

The flash flood this morning caused a family in Kampung Tok Adam to evacuate their house, with firefighters coming to the rescue of a 70-year-old grandmother who lives there.

Malaysiakini learned that many sellers at the Tanjong Karang wet market were also badly affected, with a group of chicken sellers suffering thousands of ringgit worth of losses after their livestock placed at the market died from drowning.

According to victims of the flood met by Malaysiakini, this was the second incident the barrier gave in the last month.

“The previous incident was on Oct 11 but, when it happened, we were already here at the market, so we managed to save most of our chickens.

“But this morning, the flood occurred before my helper arrived to start for the day, so by the time he got here, it was already flooded.

“In total, over 300 chickens that were placed on the bottom stack of baskets died. I think the number of losses was about RM8,500 including those of my friends,” Lee Kee Ker, a chicken seller, said.

The 54-year-old man, who inherited the business from his father, expressed his hope to see authorities find a long-term solution to the flood barrier problem.

He said a stronger barrier should be built at the river bank, instead of simply adding more soil.

A similar sentiment was shared by fellow chicken seller Ahmad Syukri Ahmad Sofian, 27, who said whoever wins the Tanjong Karang parliamentary seat should help solve the problem for them.

“I hope this problem can be solved once and for all. We would be grateful if this can be done.

“Please put efforts into this, several times floods have happened. I have raised this issue (to the authorities) before, but it’s still happening,” he said.

Syukri said those who become people’s representatives should work for the public and help them, and not only appear during the election.

Father of four Ahmad Redo Ahmad Salleh, 39, whose family was evacuated with the help of firefighters this morning, said he could only save several necessary items including important documents as the water was rising rapidly.

However, while they are safe for the day, the children's apparel seller is still worried about the next high tides - which are forecasted to occur later this evening and early morning tomorrow.

“As long as the barrier is not fully repaired, there is a high possibility for a flood to happen every time there is high tide.

“The barrier is no longer solid. I hope the authorities would consider making a new one on more solid ground. Please, help us. We are tired of becoming flood victims,” he said.

Candidate promises

Following the incident, several candidates were seen visiting the barrier and the houses of affected villagers to check on their welfare and deliver some aid.

Among them were Muda’s Siti Rahayu Baharin and BN’s Habibah Mohd Yusof.

Both of them, when met by Malaysiakini during the visits, vowed to make the flood barrier issue a focus should they be given the mandate to become the Tanjong Karang MP.

“Problems like this require immediate solutions. I know that the authorities have been working on the problem, but this must be sped up.

“This is the monsoon season and floods might hit again. I believe every stakeholder must sit down and find a way.

“If I become the MP here, I would definitely learn and do my best to try to solve this issue as soon as possible. Because I have seen the effects of this problem with my own eyes, how people’s livelihoods are affected,” said Siti Rahayu, or fondly known among her supporters as Cikgu Ayu.

Habibah, meanwhile, said she and the Sungai Burong state assemblyperson have engaged the contractor involved in repairing the barrier to get it repaired immediately.

Expressing her sympathy for the villagers and businesses who were affected by this morning’s flood, the Tanjong Karang Wanita Umno chief said she will make the issue her number one priority.

“I do not deny that this barrier has given way twice now. According to the contractor, he has done the best he could, including installing strong piling to hold the barrier.

“But I believe we may need a new solution. The contractor may need to opt for more modern technology.

“Should I be given the mandate as Tanjong Karang MP, this issue will be my priority. Together with the state assemblyperson for this area, we will work together to make sure this barrier will no longer give way.”

Family of 7 evacuated after Tanjong Karang flood

Twenty-four hottest seats to watch out for in GE15

Umno man contests Tg Karang as independent in protest against Zahid

Noh remains loyal to Umno despite being dropped