Trader uses aluminium boards, silicone glue to stop floodwater from entering house 

KUALA NERUS – In the light of the flood in Taman Desa Tanjung Damai, here, a trader decides to use his excess aluminium composite panel (ACP) to stop water from inundating his house.

Zuhri Taib, 28, said that he used the ACP board from his house's extra roof awning, which was attached using aquarium silicone glue to cover five doors, including the bathroom door.

The father of three said the idea came from his friends after they saw a flood victim’s unsuccessful attempt to stop water from getting into the house by covering a hole in their house with plasticine.

"I have never seen people do this before, and it just so happened that this idea came from friends who suggested using silicone glue.

"When the board was installed, the water had risen to the level of the house's stairs, and at that time, I felt that my place was no longer safe.

"Fortunately, all five doors, namely the front door, the side door, the back door and the two bathroom doors, were successfully closed within an hour," he said when met by Sinar Harian at his residence recently.

Zuhri said the board height estimation that needed to be installed should depend on the expected water level that may enter the house.

"The cost of the materials used is not too expensive, which is around RM300, because usually, the ACP board can be pricier, but for me, it is worth it compared to having to bear the loss of thousands of ringgit due to property damage.

"It is also not wasted because ACP is durable, it can be stored if not used and can be reassembled," said the owner of the satay shop, Kak Yah Satay Chalok 2.

In the meantime, Zuhri also suggested those who had the same problem to use the same method if it was suitable for their houses.

"I am grateful and satisfied because the house did not get flooded even though the water level was quite high.

"I recommend to those whose house is suitable, they can try to prepare this equipment and install it before the house is flooded," he said.

Zuhri said during the flood disaster last Dec 20, the path to his house was filled with one-metre-high water while the water that entered his house's front door was 0.6 metres high.

"Residents in Taman Desa Tanjung Damai (phase four) face a flood disaster for the first time because this area is piled higher.

"I have only been here for a year, and this is the first time there has been a flood, and flooded the housing area. Actually, I didn't expect water to enter the house," he said.