THE parents of a 10-year-old boy who drowned in the floods, in Karak, Pahang, was devastated when they had no water to carry out burial rites for their son.

They were saved by the arrival of a 45,000-litre water tank from Sidhu Brothers – a palm oil and water transport company. The tank arrived a few hours after the boy’s body was found by rescuers.

Jimmy Sidhu, the company’s commercial director, said the service will continue until it is no longer required.

“The family was so thankful they sent us a hamper to show their gratitude,” he said.

“Even in our final journey, we require water. We were humbled that we managed to help the family and because of that incident, we vowed to help more and more victims of floods.”

Jimmy said he has received many calls from politicians as well as other people asking for water supply in Selangor and Pahang.

“So far 11 tanks have been sent out, mostly to Pahang, such as in Karak, Bentong, and Mentakab.

“We are helped and supported by Rotary Club Malaysia and a new NGO called Hug a Tree, of which I am a pro-tem member.

“The cost per trip is RM1,500 to RM2,000, including the cost of the water.”

Jimmy said the water is bought from the water agencies, adding the process is sometimes troublesome.

“It is a nightmare for us when it comes to dealing with water agencies. You have to do this and that to purchase water that is going to be used by people in need.

“I don’t understand why they can’t provide the water for free to the victims. This is an emergency and why there is no coordination between the agency and the state government?”

“So to prevent things from becoming complicated, we buy the water. If we keep dragging on, sending letters and making calls to get water for free, victims will have to wait longer.”

Jimmy also asked why the Fire and Rescue Department has not helped to send water to flood victims.

With its assets, he said the department could help more victims without water supply.

“You see, my water tank is huge, it can carry 45,000 litres of water and this tank cannot go on the small neighbourhood roads..”

He said Pakatan Harapan lawmakers in Pahang have contacted him for water supply.

“Some of them called and asked for water supply which we sent, and for this trip, the water we filled in our tanks was paid for by the state lawmakers.”

At least 48 people have died in the floods that followed heavy rainfall on December 18. Five others are still missing.

Most of the deaths were in Selangor (25), followed by Pahang (20) and Kelantan (3). –  December 30, 2021.