Kelantan NGOs deliver emergency rafts
PASIR MAS: In a community-led effort to bolster flood preparedness in Kelantan, a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has delivered 25 emergency rafts, valued at RM100,000, to residents in the flood-prone areas of Rantau Panjang and Bakong.
The initiative is a collaborative partnership between the Kelantan Disaster Response Network (KDRN), the Rotary Club, the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) and local building materials supplier AKUBIG Sdn Bhd.
KDRN Commander Peggy Lua said the floating platforms are designed to help residents safeguard essential items during flooding, particularly electrical appliances and food supplies, which are often damaged or lost during the annual monsoon season.
'Five to six families can use each raft. They're built collaboratively with local villagers and they provide a practical, low-cost way to protect belongings,' Lua explained.
Made with buoyant materials and topped with canvas roofing, the rafts are built to float above floodwaters and keep contents dry.
The project began modestly in Pahang with a budget of just a few hundred ringgit but was later expanded to Kelantan in response to growing demand.
Lua said they have also raised an additional RM30,000 to continue building more rafts.
'Last year we built 35 units. This year, 25 more are being delivered and we plan to add another 10 soon,' she said.
Mohd Ariffin Ismail, village chief of Mukim Lubuk Gong and coordinator for the recipients, confirmed that the rafts will be distributed across six villages, including Bakong, Kubang Pak Itam, Kuala Jambu, and Tok Abu.
'Flooding is a constant threat in this area. These rafts offer an alternative, practical solution for people to store their items safely when waters rise,' he said.
Mohd Salleh Nor, 55, one of the recipients, said the assistance was especially valuable for lower-income families.
'Before this, I used a wooden platform to keep things above water. But once the floodwater reached waist level, it became almost impossible. Now, living with just my child, this raft has made a big difference,' he said.
Lua added that the team is actively fundraising to continue scaling up the initiative, aiming to deliver more rafts in the coming months as flood risks persist.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Ampang Jaya pocket park to benefit six neighbourhoods
The new recreational park in Taman Cahaya features a children's playset and jogging track. A NEW recreational park in Taman Cahaya, Ampang Jaya in Selangor, has received approval from its surrounding community. The park on Jalan Cahaya 12 was constructed by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) with a RM500,000 Housing and Local Government Ministry allocation. A resident of the nearby Bella Vista apartments, KC Tan, said it was a good decision to have a park just next to the property. 'There aren't many open spaces where people can gather and relax in this area, so this park is a welcomed addition,' said Tan who has lived in Bella Vista for over a decade. The new park features a children's playset and jogging track. A Taman Cahaya resident, who only wanted to be known as Sabariah, said while she welcomed the park, more seating was needed. 'There is plenty of open space and walking paths, but not enough places to sit, especially for senior citizens like me.' Sabariah, who has been visiting the park daily with her grandchildren since it opened, said benches and shaded seating would make it more comfortable and accessible to all age groups. MPAJ Zone 8 councillor Datuk Yap Wee Seng said residents from at least six neighbourhoods could enjoy the park facilities. They include Taman Cahaya, Taman Dagang, Taman Cahaya Indah, Taman Cempaka, Taman Nirwana and Kampung Baru Ampang. 'There is a lack of public parks in these mature areas. 'Finding spaces where a new green space could be built was difficult,' said Yap. 'This site used to be idle land as it was also near high-tension cables,' he said, recalling that residents had suggested it be turned into a park. He said MPAJ managed to complete construction of the almost 1ha park in six months. 'Hopefully, we will be able to identify more spaces that can be turned into pocket parks,' he added. In a media statement, MPAJ said the construction of the park was part of its ongoing efforts to enhance community infrastructure and improve access to recreational and leisure facilities within its jurisdiction. It also reaffirmed its commitment to providing comfortable, community friendly public spaces that promoted a healthy lifestyle for all. Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman Mohd Kamri Kamaruddin, who is also Selangor Deputy Speaker, MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari and Youth, Community and Landscape Department director Mohamad Yusuf Sulaiman visited the park.
Borneo Post
14 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Kpg Rayu Iban to get Community Fire Unit, KRT for safety and unity
Fatimah says the initiative to set up the Community Fire Unit is crucial as the nearest fire station is located far from the village, which poses difficulties to rapid response in the event of a fire. KUCHING (June 18): A Community Fire Unit and neighborhood watch area (KRT) will be established in Kampung Rayu Iban, Lundu as part of efforts to strengthen safety and promote community unity, said Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. She said the initiative to set up the Community Fire Unit is crucial as the nearest fire station is located far from the village, which poses difficulties to rapid response in the event of a fire. 'This matter has been discussed in previous meetings, and today I was informed that the Fire and Rescue Department will work with the village chief to make the Community Fire Unit in Kampung Rayu a reality,' she said during the closing ceremony of the KPWK Gawai Dayak and Raya Outreach programme with strategic partners at the Kampung Rayu Iban longhouse in Lundu today. Fatimah added that the establishment of the unit is critical, as longhouses are at high risk of fire due to their connected structures, where one door links to the next. 'If one unit catches fire, the entire longhouse could be destroyed in the blink of an eye. 'That is why the community must be trained and prepared to act as the first responders while waiting for the fire brigade to arrive,' she said. She also noted that the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) had given a fire prevention briefing to residents as an initial step to raise awareness and enhance community preparedness. In addition, Fatimah said the Department of National Unity and Integration has been requested to look into the formation of a KRT in the village. 'I was informed this morning that efforts to set up the KRT can begin and be further discussed in detail. This is important for implementing unity and safety programmes in an organised manner,' she said. She explained that officially registered KRTs would receive an annual allocation of RM6,000 to carry out various community programmes. 'This not only strengthens unity but also opens up opportunities for structured grassroots social development activities,' she added. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 residents of Kampung Rayu Iban longhouse benefited from the two-day KPWK Gawai Dayak and Raya Outreach programme, which was carried out in collaboration with strategic partners. The programme aimed to bring government services and information directly to rural communities, especially those with limited access or awareness. Among the services offered were applications for aid schemes, free health screenings, entrepreneurship and leadership seminars, and advisory counters from various government agencies. Fatimah said the initiative reflects the Sarawak government's commitment to inclusivity under the leadership of Sarawak Premier, ensuring no one is left behind in the state's development. Also present were Deputy State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam; the ministry's Permanent Secretary Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua; Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan; and Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Kelantan NGOs deliver emergency rafts to help communities brace for floods
PASIR MAS: In a community-led effort to bolster flood preparedness in Kelantan, a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has delivered 25 emergency rafts, valued at RM100,000, to residents in the flood-prone areas of Rantau Panjang and Bakong. The initiative is a collaborative partnership between the Kelantan Disaster Response Network (KDRN), the Rotary Club, the Archdiocesan Office for Human Development (AOHD) and local building materials supplier AKUBIG Sdn Bhd. KDRN Commander Peggy Lua said the floating platforms are designed to help residents safeguard essential items during flooding, particularly electrical appliances and food supplies, which are often damaged or lost during the annual monsoon season. 'Five to six families can use each raft. They're built collaboratively with local villagers and they provide a practical, low-cost way to protect belongings,' Lua explained. Made with buoyant materials and topped with canvas roofing, the rafts are built to float above floodwaters and keep contents dry. The project began modestly in Pahang with a budget of just a few hundred ringgit but was later expanded to Kelantan in response to growing demand. Lua said they have also raised an additional RM30,000 to continue building more rafts. 'Last year we built 35 units. This year, 25 more are being delivered and we plan to add another 10 soon,' she said. Mohd Ariffin Ismail, village chief of Mukim Lubuk Gong and coordinator for the recipients, confirmed that the rafts will be distributed across six villages, including Bakong, Kubang Pak Itam, Kuala Jambu, and Tok Abu. 'Flooding is a constant threat in this area. These rafts offer an alternative, practical solution for people to store their items safely when waters rise,' he said. Mohd Salleh Nor, 55, one of the recipients, said the assistance was especially valuable for lower-income families. 'Before this, I used a wooden platform to keep things above water. But once the floodwater reached waist level, it became almost impossible. Now, living with just my child, this raft has made a big difference,' he said. Lua added that the team is actively fundraising to continue scaling up the initiative, aiming to deliver more rafts in the coming months as flood risks persist.
