RANTAU PANJANG: For Mohd Irwan Faizal Che Rajiun, the monsoon season brings more than just heavy rain, it brings memories of heartbreaking losses.
The 43-year-old trader from Kampung Tersang is taking no chances this year.
After losing nearly all his livestock in last year’s devastating floods, the father of five has begun building a simple raft to keep his animals safe when the waters rise.
“Last year, the floodwaters were very high. I lost almost everything,” he said, recalling how between 200 and 300 birds died, along with many of his chickens.
The losses amounted to almost RM100,000, a heavy blow for someone who relies on livestock sales as his main income.
“Today, I started preparing early because the flood season is coming.
“I’m building a raft so I can place my animals on it and prevent them from dying again,” he said.
The simple structure, made from basic materials, cost him just over RM100.
“It doesn’t cost much, but it can save the animals,” he said.
He added that the raft would be used to elevate his birds and chickens above flood level.
Rantau Panjang, located in Pasir Mas, is among the districts that have yet to be hit by floods.
Other districts affected by the floods are Bachok, Tumpat, Kota Baru and Pasir Puteh.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
