PASIR MAS: A villager in Kampung Lati here used a more than 50-year-old perahu golek (traditional boat) to deliver essential supplies to residents affected by the floods yesterday. Ruslan Che Musa, 44, shared that the perahu golek, which once belonged to his 78-year-old father, was passed down to him a few years ago.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the perahu made from seraya wood was originally purchased by Ruslan’s father from a local carpenter for around RM80 in the 1970s. Ruslan recounted that his father had also used the boat to assist villagers during major floods in the past. “There’ve been a few big floods since I was born here, but this year, it’s been pretty bad,” he mentioned.

Ruslan emphasized the sturdy and easy-to-manoeuvre design of the 15-metre-long perahu, which proved ideal for delivering supplies like food and clean water while the authorities worked on evacuating the villagers. He also noted that some villagers opted to remain in their two-storey homes, and he assisted them in obtainin
g necessary supplies.

Ruslan expressed his commitment to maintaining the perahu, recognizing its significance as a priceless family keepsake with sentimental value. “I plan to repair and repaint the perahu…I also hope to pass it on to my son one day,” he stated.

Meanwhile, a BERNAMA check in Kampung Lati today revealed that the road leading to the village has been cut off, with floodwaters rising above three metres in the area. Boats from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Team were observed making multiple trips to evacuate residents, although some chose to remain due to concerns about the safety of their property.