GUA MUSANG: A lofty idea indeed, as an enterprising resident of Kampung Batu 14 here built a watch tower to monitor Sungai Galas, as the north-east monsoon is now hitting the country. Mohamad Othman, 53, said the lookout tower, which he built a year ago, is to warn those living far from flood-warning sirens.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Othman stated, “I took the initiative to build a tower and an attic from wood and zinc five metres high to save myself and my home valuables during the monsoon season. In this village, there are 70 residents from 14 families. When the (Sungai Galas) water level rises, we will get a warning to act and not suffer losses from floods,” he said when met in the village here today.

He mentioned that his house is located near the edge of Sungai Galas, and having an attic is useful for storing household goods, noting that he previously lost over RM5,000 due to flooding. Othman explained that if the rains persist for up to two days, residents will take turns keeping watch in the
tower to monitor the river for any signs of overflowing.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the village development and security committee, Aluwi Muda, remarked that the watch tower provides everyone with advanced notice to relocate household items and vehicles to higher ground. “Our village is surrounded every time it floods, so people here appreciate Othman’s brainwave of an early warning,” he added.