TANAH MERAH: For the third time in two months, floodwaters have surged into homes, sweeping away belongings and livestock of around 300 residents in two villages here.
The latest wave, which began on Saturday, saw rising water from a nearby river submerge Kampung Kulim and Kampung Jerangau with 1.3 metres of floodwater.
Surrounded by rubber trees, the two villages are home to about 1,500 people. Photos of the flooded homes show zinc-roofed houses submerged in stagnant, yellow water. Stains on the walls indicated the water level had been higher the previous day.
For Che Hasnah Che Abdullah, the latest flood has broken her spirit. "I can't describe how I feel right now. Since last month, my house has been hit three times, with the latest flood beginning on Saturday night," said the 50-year-old housewife.
"All my furniture was destroyed by last month's first flood, and I hadn't yet replaced it when the third wave arrived. It feels as though everything my husband and I have worked for in 25 years of marriage has been destroyed in an instant," she added, her voice breaking with emotion.
The mother of eight said her family had barely started cleaning after the second flood, only to face the daunting task again. "It feels like it will never end. The flood waters didn't just destroy my furniture but left my home smelling of damp and mildew," she said.
The monsoon season in Malaysia runs from November to March, bringing heavy rainfall, especially in the east of the Peninsular (Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang) and the states of Sarawak and Sabah on Borneo.
For many victims, the financial strain of repeated flooding is overwhelming.
Like Che Hasnah, Ramza Ibrahim and countless others find themselves unable to recover. "Many flood victims are frustrated, having not only lost their belongings but also the memories tied to their village," Ramza said.
"Most are exhausted, with little financial resources left to rebuild their lives. While some relief assistance has been provided, it's not enough to cope with the scale of the damage. We are left cleaning up with what little we have," he added.
The villagers also face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.
"Most of us are relying on donations from local agencies and NGOs," said Ramza, a 52-year-old from Kampung Jerangau.
Fauzi Mohd Yusof, a 54-year-old carpenter, said the full extent of the devastation would only be clear once the waters recede. "After the floodwaters subside, residents will face the aftermath—stagnant water, ruined furniture, and damaged electricals," he said.
"We feel trapped in this endless cycle of destruction and rebuilding. It has taken a serious toll on our mental health. Our hopes are dashed with every new flood," Fauzi added.
Despite the hardship, Fauzi noted that the rural community remained strongly bonded. "Many families have lived in this village for generations. The sense of community is strong, but so is the collective anxiety," said the father of four, who returned to his home in Kampung Kulim today.