TUMPAT: Concerned about the safety of their homes, the men in Kampung Kubang Sawa here have chosen to stay in their houses, despite the area being flooded.
Hisham Saamah, 45, a resident, yesserday said this was a common practice whenever floods hit the village, as they wanted to protect their homes from theft.
"Someone should be at home because we fear burglars might enter.
"Our village is close to the (Malaysian-Thai) border, so we are concerned.
"Usually, there are security personnel on patrol, but during floods like this, they cannot enter.
"We understand that they are unable to do so because they have other areas to cover, so we take on the responsibility ourselves," he said here.
A check by Bernama found that the majority of houses were still occupied by heads of families or sons, while women, children, and the elderly had been relocated to nearby relief centres.
Hisham, a farmer, said they would not want their wives, children, or parents to be here, due to the floods.
Wan Sauffi Besar, 55, said residents relied on boats, owned by almost every household, to buy food when they were at home.
"I take a boat to go out and buy food outside the village.
"Usually, I buy enough supplies for a week.
"At home, there are still electricity and water supply, so we can still cook.
"It's just a bit difficult to go out because we have to walk, and our cars are parked at the village mosque."
Assistant village chief Saari Musa said residents hoped that the authorities and non-governmental organisations could help those who chose not to relocate.
"If there are willing helpers, we can arrange for residents to receive aid in suitable locations, using boats.
"At the moment, it is quite difficult to get here because the entire area is submerged." — BERNAMA