No time to waste: CRSM Terengganu State Chief Steven Poh Cheng Haw (right) helping a bedridden flood victim to relocate to a flood relief centre in Terengganu.
MCA team helps flood victims despite facing many challenges
PETALING JAYA: Pitch-black night, no internet, strong water currents, inundated roads and car breakdowns – these are some of the challenges faced by the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) in assisting flood victims in Kelantan and Terengganu.
CRSM national chief Datuk Natalie Lim Chong Ly said her team mobilised aid to Kelantan and Terengganu beginning last Thursday after receiving first-hand information about floods from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
“Several teams from CRSM in four-wheel drives, which were modified for floods, went to the affected states.
“When we reached there, there were many challenges due to flooded roads.
“An hour’s journey became four because we are not familiar with the environment there,” she said.
Lim recalled an incident on Saturday morning where a CRSM team was stranded for hours.
“They arrived at 4am in Kelantan and did not expect the water to rise so fast.
“So, they were stuck at a flood relief centre there.
“They also did not bring their phone there, so they lost contact with the other team,” she said.
According to Lim, there were several instances where CRSM members had to navigate boats in total darkness.
“They used walkie-talkies to remain in constant contact with the boats in the front and back,” she said.
Lim said CRSM members had gone through various training and the latest was in China this year.
“This job is not for everyone as training is required,” she said, adding that there was another training with Nadma this year in anticipation of monsoon season floods.
“Because we have trained, that is why Nadma allows us to assist during the floods.”
CRSM executive secretary Xilas Ngang recounted an incident where his team was stranded at a village in Besut, Terengganu, during a flood relief effort last Saturday.
“We went there in the afternoon in our Toyota Hilux which was modified for high water levels.
“We managed to move 14 families to relief centres.
“But we were trapped after that because the water level rose too fast and it was too dangerous to drive.
“So, we spent the night in the car,” said the 43-year-old.
Meanwhile, Ngang said diminishing food supplies was an issue as he recounted an incident where he saw a man desperately searching for food for his children.
“The cashier at the petrol station said only snacks were left and he bought them. I also gave some waffles to him,” he said.
“It is crucial for any prospective volunteer to undergo the necessary training before engaging in flood relief efforts.
“We need to use the correct way. Otherwise, you can have a good heart and motive, but without suitable equipment, you can’t do it,” said Ngang.
On Monday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department forecast severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain in Kelantan and Terengganu from Dec 3 to 4.
