Disaster rouses sleepy town
SUNGAI PETANI: The tsunami that struck 10 coastal villages in Kota Kuala Muda here on Dec 26 has transformed Kota Kuala Muda town from a “sleepy hollow” to a bustling hamlet.
The presence of hordes of personnel from agencies involved in the search and rescue operations as well as volunteers from all over the country has brought life to this town, which used to be quiet before the tragedy.
The arrival of these visitors and aid workers had given food stall operators and retail shop owners much welcome windfall.
Food stall operator Zahari Hanafi, 41, said he had to extend business hours for his stall to 2am every day since the tragedy.
Although he did not have the time to participate in the gotong-royong to help the victims, he said he could still find out about the welfare of his friends from the aid workers who came to his stall for meals.
He said he had great sympathy for the victims and regretted that he could not participate in the gotong-royong as he had to keep his stall open from 9am until 2am.
“There were so many visitors that the roads in the town are congested every day.
“I am touched by the caring attitude of Malaysians, who have contributed regardless of race,” he said.
Norsalina Mansor, 40, who sells banana fritters in Kota Kuala Muda town, said her business had improved significantly since the Dec 26 tragedy.
“If I used to get between RM40 and RM50 daily previously, I get between RM120 and RM150 a day since the tsunami struck the villages due to the presence of many visitors,” she said.
A retail shop operator known as Ah Heng, 47, said that since the tragedy many victims had been buying kitchen utensils as they were planning to return to their homes.
“I also sympathise with them because although my business has picked up after the fateful day, they are still my friends,” he said. – Bernama
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