Community effort: If the rain lasts for two days, the residents of Kampung Batu 14 will take turns sleeping in Mohamad’s lookout tower to keep an eye on Sungai Galas. — Bernama
GUA MUSANG: It’s a lofty idea indeed from an enterprising resident of Kampung Batu 14 here. He built a watchtower to monitor Sungai Galas as the northeast monsoon hits the country.
Mohamad Othman, 53, said he decided to build the lookout tower, which has an attic, because the village is located far from the flood warning sirens.
During previous floods, by the time the warning was triggered, the water level had already risen, he recalled.
“I took the initiative to build the tower to save myself and my valuables during the monsoon season.
“It is also to alert villagers when the (Sungai Galas) water level rises so that everyone can take action.
“This way, we will not suffer losses from floods,” he said, Bernama reported.
Mohamad said his house is located close to Sungai Galas and would get submerged during floods.
He added that he had sustained losses of more than RM5,000 in the previous floods.
The lookout tower, which Mohamad built a year ago, stands five metres high and is made from wood and zinc.
He said if the rain lasts up to two days, residents will take turns sleeping in the tower and keeping a watch on the river in case it overflows.
Kampung Batu 14 has a total of 70 residents from 14 families.
Meanwhile, village development and security committee chairman Aluwi Muda said the watchtower gives everyone advanced warning to move their household items and vehicles to higher ground.
“The people here appreciate Mohamad’s initiative of an early warning,” he added.
