Pasir linggi: Some 200 Orang Asli people from 30 families in Kampung Pasir Linggi, Pos Lebir here have chosen not to return to their homes, even though the floods in their area fully receded last month.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, village head Harun Ismail said the decision was made as many are still traumatised by the 'yellow flood' disaster more than 10 years ago, prompting residents to prefer living in shelters built from bamboo and wood with canvas roofs as temporary refuge during the Northeast Monsoon. He mentioned that the settlement has been built since October, with residents opting to live a nomadic lifestyle until the monsoon ends.

Harun explained that they decided to move to the hilltop to avoid being stranded should a disaster occur, such as the major flood in 2014. He noted that fear and trauma remain, especially among those living near the river, as they worry they might not have enough time to evacuate. The community will stay in tents on the hilltop, built near the access road to Kampung Pasir Linggi, as an annual preparation to face the monsoon season.

Resident Amoi Latif, 57, shared that early preparations for floods had been made as her house is only a few metres from Sungai Linggi, and she was concerned the water level could rise rapidly if heavy rain continued. She stated that they have brought all essential items such as cooking utensils, mats, and clothing, as they will stay there until January, depending on the weather. Amoi also mentioned that they have been travelling back and forth to their homes to check on them and charge their mobile phones.