KUALA KANGSAR, Dec 25, 2014:
The visit by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim to the flood-hit areas and relief centres here managed to lift the spirits of the flood victims and bring a smile to their faces.
The visits were made from morning after the Sultan and his consort heard a closed-door briefing on the flood situation in the state at the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council building.
Sultan Nazrin Shah and Tuanku Zara then travelled in an amphibious boat belonging to the Fire and Rescue Department to view the flood situation around Arena Square, located near Dataran Sungai Perak Indah here accompanied by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
The royal couple then visited the flood relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sayong, here, to enquire about the victims’ situation and to give them words of encouragement, other than exchanging greetings.
The Perak Sultan and Tuanku Zara’s presence obviously cheered up the 118 families who are housed at the relief centre since two days ago.
One of the evacuees, Khairul Anuar Jamal, 48, from Kampung Sayong Lembah, said the Sultan’s concern over their fate as flood victims, touched him.
“I am delighted to have met the Sultan in person. At least his Royal Highness’ visit helped to lessen our sadness and worry,” he said.
Khairul Anuar hoped the flood would fully subside soon so that his family could return home to clean up their house.
Seri Raayah Mohd Daud, 56, from Kampung Sayong Tebing, said her village had often been hit by floods, but this time was the worst.
She recalled the flood waters rising so fast, first to the waist level and then reaching the roof.
“The situation was chaotic at the time as my husband had a stroke, but luckily my children were around and they helped move him.
“I only managed to save the important documents but our other belongings were submerged in the flood waters… all gone,” she said, almost in tears.