JOHOR BARU: Every time dark clouds hover above Ross Samidi’s home in Kg Pasir Tebrau, the 88-year-old former policeman gets jittery.Since moving into his home almost 35 years ago, his house gets flooded two to four times each year.
“Each time it floods, I have to relocate to a nearby primary school or go and live with my children,” said Ross, who has 13 children and 30 grandchildren.
The floods, he added, had destroyed everything in his home, including his favourite refrigerator.
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“In February, the floods were up to the waist,” Ross said.
The rain also came through the dilapidated roof and wet the entire house each time it pours. Ross, who lives with his wife Aminah Muslim, 80, said they are too old and do not have the means to move.
Brand new: Policemen laying the linoleum in Ross’ home in preparation for Hari Raya.
Thanks to Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar, who visited his home recently in conjunction with Police Day celebrations, the days are clearer now for the couple.
Ross said he is thankful to Comm Kumar and his officers for helping to fix his roof and getting new linoleum for his three-room home.
“This is the best Hari Raya gift that I have gotten.
“It’s only during such festivals that I get to see my children and grandchildren,” he said, thanking the police for visiting and providing regular assistance. The former constable, who is only getting aid from the religious department, said he used to fight against the communists in the 1950s.
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“At one time, we found out that some communists were hiding in Kota Tinggi and 10 of us went to nab them.
“There was a gunfight, which resulted in the death of three communists,” he said, adding that his teammate was shot in the leg.
Ross said he had to quit the force as his parents did not want him transferred far away from them in Johor.
Since then, he has been doing odd jobs before moving into his present home in 1989.
Ross hopes to get some welfare assistance from the government each month, which will come in handy for him and his wife.
When contacted, Comm Kumar said he visited 13 police veterans in conjunction with Police Day.
The condition of Ross’ house, among the said 13, was the worst, he said.
“I was saddened by the state of his home’s condition ... That is why I got immediate help to repair his roof and hall flooring just before Hari Raya.“This is so that he can celebrate the festival comfortably.”
