KEMAMAN: A routine assignment to cover the recent floods in Kemaman, Terengganu, turned into a heartwarming and inspiring experience for Bernama journalist Mohamad Syazwan Mustafa and photographer Zulfadhli Zulkifli, from Kuala Lumpur.
Amid the devastation, the duo discovered a beacon of hope in the form of 70-year-old A. Bakar Ahmad (oic), affectionately known as Pokwe, a local hero celebrated across Malaysia for his ingenious floating house in Kampung Tebak Batu 16.
Built using large barrels as flotation devices, Pokwe’s home is designed to rise with floodwaters, offering a practical and innovative solution to the region’s recurring floods.
However, it wasn’t just the engineering marvel that left an impression, it was the generosity and warmth of Pokwe’s family, who extended heartfelt hospitality despite grappling with the floods.
As the journalists approached, they were met by Pokwe’s son, Kamaruddin A. Bakar Ahmad, 44, who navigated a sampan through waist-deep waters to ferry the team to the resilient floating home.
The scene was unforgettable for the family, unshaken by the floodwaters, radiating warmth and kindness to strangers as though they were long-lost kin. The journalists felt more like cherished relatives than unexpected visitors, welcomed into a village they had never known.
Pokwe’s wife, 64-year-old Fatimah Salleh, epitomised this spirit of hospitality. Without hesitation, she served hot tea and biscuits to her weary guests, a small but comforting gesture that cut through the relentless rain pouring since morning.
Lunch was another act of generosity, a humble yet heartfelt spread featuring ikan puyu and haruan goreng, labu masak lemak, ulam raja, and the quintessential Terengganu delicacy, budu tempoyak.
Fatimah’s cooking wasn’t just a meal; it was a tribute to tradition, infused with the flavours and heritage of Terengganu. "It may have been simple, but this meal felt like home. I never imagined a flood coverage could feel so much like home and experience a sense of belonging,” said Zulfadhli.
Despite being visited by countless journalists and media crews over the years, Pokwe remained enthusiastic about sharing the story behind his floating house.
His eyes lit up with pride as he recounted the early challenges of the project and the triumph of turning adversity into innovation.
"I built this house out of necessity. Every year, when the floods came, I felt a deep sadness hearing about the struggles of people in Terengganu. I knew I had to do something, not just for myself but to help others. I’m always willing to share my knowledge,” he said, his voice filled with determination.
Recently, Pokwe had enhanced his home with 20 additional barrels, enabling it to store four motorcycles safely above rising waters - a small yet meaningful improvement reflecting his unwavering commitment to adaptation and progress.
For Bernama’s journalists, what began as a routine assignment evolved into a profound reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. They saw firsthand how kindness and ingenuity can flourish even amidst adversity.
This experience isn’t just a story about a floating house; it’s a story about community strength, the generosity that unites the rakyat, and the resilience that keeps hope afloat, even when the waters rise. - Bernama
