JOHOR BARU: More than 30 motorcycles were damaged when floodwaters inundated a motorcycle workshop in Kampung Sepakat Baru, Skudai, early yesterday morning (Jan 12).
The workshop owner, Muhamad Aminuddin Nordin, 32, who has operated the business with his younger brother Borhanuddin, 31, for 12 years, said they only managed to salvage 10 of the 30 repaired motorcycles before the floodwaters surged.
"The water rose rapidly and was waist-deep by 8am.
"My own car and motorcycles were submerged, and workshop items like motorcycle seat covers were swept away, while tools and equipment were left buried in mud" he said.
The floodwaters began rising around 4am while the family was asleep, leaving them with little time to react.
Many customers' motorcycles and electronics were lost.
However, Aminuddin expressed gratitude that his family was safe and evacuated to the relief centre at Dewan Muafakat Majlis Bandaraya Iskandar Puteri.
His father, Nordin Taib, 64, who suffers from severe diabetes and limited mobility, was evacuated by fire department personnel.
Aminuddin's pregnant wife, Fatin Syahirah Roslan, 31, and their three-year-old daughter were also given priority during the evacuation.
Although the floodwaters receded quickly, the damage was extensive, with estimated losses exceeding RM20,000.
"This flood wasn't as severe as the one in 2007, but it was sudden.
"Some customers understand this was an unforeseen natural disaster, but if anyone demands compensation, I'll do my best to address it," he said.
Despite the challenges, Aminuddin remains optimistic.
"It's overwhelming to think about everything, but I trust Allah's plan. Stressing over it won't help," he added, standing amidst the wreckage of his workshop.