No voting for us if it floods, say Taman Sri Muda residents

Residents at one of the areas worst affected by the massive floods that hit several parts of Selangor last year say they will not turn out to vote if a similar situation occurs again during the 15th general election (GE15). 

Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam was covered by floods in December 2021, with the water level in some places rising as high as the rooftops. 

Having lived through such an experience, the residents are by and large against the holding of GE15 at a time when floodwaters could rise again. 

Those who spoke to MalaysiaNow said they were still haunted by last year's floods and the huge losses they suffered.

They also expressed disappointment with the move to dissolve Parliament, which they described as an irresponsible act. 

Khuzaifah Saad, 35, has lived in Taman Sri Muda for 16 years. If the area is engulfed in floods again this year, he will not be able to return to his home town of Jengka in Pahang to vote. 

As a husband and father of six, he said, it was his responsibility to ensure the safety of his family and to do what he could to minimise their losses. 

"If it floods or rains continuously, I will make the necessary preparations," he said. 

"If I can't make it home to vote, never mind. My family is my priority." 

The floods that hit last year claimed nearly 50 lives with Selangor recording the highest number of deaths. 

Those against the holding of GE15 this year, including the opposition and members of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's own Cabinet, had cited such losses in their protests. 

Nevertheless, Ismail dissolved Parliament on Oct 10 on the back of strong pressure from Umno. 

School van driver Selvi Ramasamy, 54, agreed that she would not turn out to vote if the area floods again this year. 

She said she experienced heavy losses last year, losing two of her vans to the floods as she had no time to move them to higher ground. 

"Even if it doesn't flood, if it rains non-stop, I will not go to vote because now I'm afraid," Selvi, who has lived in Taman Sri Muda for 30 years, added. 

"The water rose so high – it was so dangerous. I will not take the risk." 

Restaurant owner Muhammad Mubara said it was not wrong for the government to dissolve Parliament but that now was not the right time. 

While he appreciated the importance of the voting process, he said he would still put personal safety above casting his ballot. 

"I agree with the election because I want there to be change. But if it floods, how will I vote?" he said. 

Recalling the floods last year, he said his restaurant had sustained heavy damage, forcing him to spend huge amounts in order to restore it. 

Trader Syazaratul Nadzira meanwhile said she would only return to vote in her home town of Johor Bahru if the situation permits. 

"I always went back to vote in Johor, but this time I'm not sure if I want to go or not," Syazaratul, 28, said. 

"It depends on the situation. If there are no floods, I'll go back to vote."