CIVILIANS are not only helping flood victims with food aid but are also helping to clean up homes caked with mud.

A massive cleaning operation is underway at Taman Sri Nanding, Hulu Langat, where about 1,200 homes are overwhelmed with debris and sludge left in the wake of floods over the weekend.

On a visit to the housing suburb that lies next to Sungai Langat, The Malaysian Insight saw people placing furniture, cooking utensils, clothes and all sorts of items out in the sun to dry.

The lanes between homes were lined with these items, as residents continued salvaging whatever usable items.

Volunteers were also present, helping residents carry large pieces of furniture out into the sun. Some were hosing mud out of houses; others were giving out food and some were cooking over makeshift stoves.

Alzari Mahshar, 51, better known to friends as Joey, is one of the volunteer organisers and said about 50 people had gathered today to help the residents with cleaning up.

“Nothing much can be salvaged from the homes. Everything had to be thrown away. This is just our second day and there is a lot to do.”

Yesterday, they managed to get about 80 university students to volunteer.

“We assigned five students per house to help clear out the mess. We’re still cleaning in stages because there is too much debris and mud everywhere,” said Joey, who works making and selling his own brand of peanut butter.

The sight of sludge and debris on every surface is overwhelming, and Joey said they have to work systematically. 

First, is to clear out belongings from flood-damaged homes. Only then can the real cleaning be done.

He said he and other volunteers felt the need to help the residents, as they were low on morale and were also mentally and physically exhausted.

“We hope the local councils can come quickly to clear the damaged items. We also hope the private sector can assist here,” Joey said.

No electricity

After the day’s cleaning, the residents retire to darkness as electricity has not been restored to the area after the flood.

This also poses a problem with the cleaning operation, as water jet pumps cannot be used to push debris out, Joey said.

“Using water alone isn’t enough. Cleaning detergents are also needed,” he added.

He is not putting a cap on how many days he and other volunteers plan to help the residents. 

“If we have the funds, then we will keep coming here. We are not backed by anyone or agencies for funding.”

He added that residents will need basic items to refurnish their homes.

“I have put out a plea for people to donate on Twitter. People can also help by providing cooking gas, mattresses and other basic necessities.”

Another group helping the residents is Seri Qiyam, a welfare organisation.

Its founder Mohd Zulfadzli Abdul Halim, 38 said that things are picking with more volunteers coming in. 

“Things are improving compared to yesterday. However, the situation is still not good. 

“Even though we have water jets but we still can’t use it here as there is no electricity.”

The group had 30 volunteers today and welcome more in days to come, especially to help clean the homes of elderly people.

Zulfadzli said Seri Qiyam’s volunteers have also set up a mini kitchen to prepare simple food like fried chicken and noodles for the residents and volunteers.

“We wanted to get packed food but the traffic is really bad coming here so we decided to cook.

“We are looking to be here until Sunday because we predict a lot of people will come to help over the weekend.

“We advise people who want to come to help to carpool so as not to cause any congestion here.” – December 22, 2021.