Rengit: Residents around Kampung Sungai Berong Laut, Rengit, are increasingly worried as the problem of the damaged breakwater seawall has occurred more frequently, over seven times, with last week’s incident being the latest.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a resident, Azman Samion, 60, stated that last year the breakwater was damaged several times due to high tide, but it only caused minor damage and was not as severe as this time, with water levels said to be more than three metres. He mentioned that the damage not only affects residents’ homes but also hinders the harvest of crops such as coconuts and oil palm, as farms are still ‘submerged’ in water.

Azman noted, ‘The residents’ income will also be affected in the long term as crop yields will be stunted… this is because the resulting fruits do not reach the quality set for sale.’ He urged for immediate action from the responsible authorities to effectively address the issue.

Azman further explained that his part-time work of catching shrimp with a cast net has also been disrupted due to the high tide phenomenon affecting his catch at the langgai, a type of fishing platform.

Meanwhile, State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Senggarang, Mohd Yusla Ismail, confirmed that his office is aware of the high tide incident that caused damages to the breakwater at several locations. According to a preliminary report by the contractors, approximately 100 metres of the problematic breakwater need immediate repair.

Mohd Yusla stated, ‘Initial repair work has begun involving the area from Kampung Sungai Berong up to Parit Botak, with 46 metres covered yesterday.’ He also mentioned that compensation of RM3,000 will be given to the heads of household, channeled by the state government through the area’s ADUN.