Matang: Despite her home being inundated following continuous rain since yesterday, 89-year-old Tan Ah Tin remained all smiles as she welcomed her children and grandchildren home for the Lunar New Year. Tan, who has lived in her Kampung Baru Cina home in Matang near here for nearly 60 years, said she never expected this year's festivities to become such an unforgettable experience.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan expressed that this is the first time her house has been flooded during the Chinese New Year. While flooding has occurred before, it has never coincided with a major festival. Tan emphasized that she is not sad because her family has gathered to celebrate the day with joy.

Her granddaughter, Alicia Kwek, 29, who returned from Kuala Lumpur for the festivities, noted that this year's experience was memorable due to the unexpected shift from holiday celebrations to a significant house-cleaning operation. Kwek described the situation as difficult and inconvenient, as they had planned to enjoy the holiday, but instead had to focus on cleaning the house due to the floods.

Another granddaughter, Seow Woei Ann, 33, shared that the persistent rain since yesterday not only affected the festive mood but also hindered traditional practices like burning joss sticks and praying. Seow, a Melaka-based accountant, mentioned that the family is on alert for the possibility of more floods, as the rain continues without signs of stopping.

Meanwhile, Kampung Baru Cina Matang village head Goh Siak Pheow reported that 10 houses were affected by the floods, but no temporary evacuation centers have been established as the situation is under control.