GUA MUSANG: Galas assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim and his entourage were standed in the Pos Balar Orang Asli settlement here last night following continuous heavy rain.
The assemblyman and six others had travelled in two four-wheel-drive vehicles to the Orang Asli settlement to deliver the Underprivileged Student Trust Fund (KWAPM) aid at SK Bihai, Pos Bihai, and SK Balar, Pos Balar.
The visit was also aimed at engaging with the Orang Asli community to listen to their concerns and complaints ahead of the monsoon season.
Syahbuddin said after the programme at SK Balar ended, he and his team began their journey back at around 6pm while it was raining.
He said as he reached Bukit Piyel, Pos Balar, his four-wheel drive got stuck due to severe road damage, while another vehicle's tyre burst.
After three hours, he and his team decided to return to SK Balar and stay overnight for their safety.
"We reached SK Balar at about 10pm to stay overnight. We will continue our journey today if weather conditions permit it.
"Thank you to the school administrators and teachers for their kind assistance in allowing me and my team to stay here."
He said he and his team had to walk about 5km and crossed a suspension bridge over Sungai Balar River, to reach Kampung Peng to seek help from residents.
Syahbuddin and the others walked in the dark in light rain to reach the village. Residents there drove the team in other four-wheel drive vehicles to the school.
He said it was the first time experiencing having his vehicle stranded in the area.
"I have frequently heard complaints from residents about the bad road conditions during the monsoon season, but yesterday I experienced it. They face these situations where they cannot leave their villages," he said.