CONVENIENCE store break-ins have been reported in Sri Muda, Shah Alam – an area hard hit by floods.

Shah Alam police chief Baharudin Mat Taib said: “I can confirm several break-ins involving convenience stores took place in Sri Muda, especially in Section 15, an area that has seen severe flooding.”

“The stores are 7-Eleven, Mydin, KK Super Mart and Jimat Supermarket. The incidents are believed to have happened at about 1pm to 2pm today.”

He said police have been sent to the scene, and that the situation is under control.

“General Operations Force personnel have been deployed to the area, but getting into the location is difficult as waters are still deep, up to waist-level.

“It is also difficult for the store owners to go to the location.”

He also urged store owners to lodge a report at any police station as soon as possible, adding that none has been lodged so far.

On whether residents were the ones who broke into the stores to scrounge for food supplies, Baharudin said assistance has been requested from the state.

“Non-governmental organisations have contributed to help victims, too.”

Taman Sri Muda, near Klang, is one of the worst flood-affected areas in the state.

Residents, who are stranded on roofs or the upper floors of their houses, have been posting for help on social media since Saturday, when water levels rapidly rose and official help from the authorities was nowhere in sight.

Earlier today, several volunteers told The Malaysian Insight that they decided to help the residents after realising that official channels of rescue are not forthcoming. They paddled boats to bring some folk to safety and deliver food.

Based on observations at the scene, where waters reached 2.44m, there were at least 100 volunteers. – December 20, 2021.