To safety: Residents of Kampung Tersang, Pasir Mas, using boats to return to their homes during the floods in this file photo. — Bernama
PASIR MAS: Tucked away in a remote corner of Rantau Panjang, Kampung Bendang Perol stands as a poignant symbol of human resilience against nature’s relentless forces.
Fondly referred to as the “kampung banjir lambat surut”, loosely translated as “the village where floodwaters take longer to recede”, this settlement has long been synonymous with the tenacity of its residents as they confront the challenges of annual flooding.
While the floodwaters may linger, the spirit of its people flows with unyielding determination – deeper and stronger than the waters that inundate their land.
According to Mukim Lubok Gong chief Syed Abu Bakar Syed Mat Nor, during the flood season, villagers must paddle boats for over 200m, navigating areas that were once oil palm plantations, now transformed into vast, shimmering bodies of water.
“For the villagers, floods have become a way of life.
“When the water reaches chest level in the yard, it’s our signal to head to the temporary evacuation centre,” Syed Abu Bakar told Bernama yesterday.
He said road access to the village is completely cut off during floods, yet the villagers remain steadfast and undeterred.
“This village isn’t just a place; it’s a testament to the unwavering spirit of people who refuse to give up, no matter how many challenges they face,” he added.
Villager Hasan Setapa, 59, said navigating the floods by boat has become second nature to him.
“As soon as the water rises to a certain level, I make it a point to move without delay to avoid any unforeseen incidents,” he said.
“Boats here are more than just a means of transportation; they are a lifeline and a symbol of this community’s resilience, showcasing the villagers’ remarkable ability to adapt amid adversity.”
