Waves sweep away home, memories in Rompin village [WATCH]

In Rompin village, a tragic event unfolded as coastal erosion claimed a family's home, wiping away cherished memories and causing immense emotional distress. The Malay proverb, "kalau takut dilambung ombak, jangan berumah di tepi pantai" (if you are afraid of being hit by waves, do not live by the beach), resonated deeply with Nur Zakiah Hamdan, whose family suffered the consequences of this wisdom in 2022.

Their three-room house, sponsored by a financial institution, was situated mere 20 meters from the shoreline. On the fateful night of January 12, monstrous waves during the monsoon season crashed against the walls, tearing them apart and sweeping away furniture and appliances. The incident left a profound impact on the family, particularly the 61-year-old father, Hamdan Mohid, who shed tears each time he revisited the damaged house, riddled with cracks and torn window frames.

The house, which held countless memories - from family gatherings by the sea to the birth of Nur Zakiah's youngest brother and the loss of his mother and brother to illness - was reduced to rubble in a single night. Had preventive measures been taken earlier to mitigate coastal erosion, the loss might have been avoided. Over the years, the shoreline had receded, and the once vibrant casuarina trees and tarred road had vanished.

Nur Zakiah and her family were temporarily housed in a nearby relief center after the incident. The loss was estimated to be over RM20,000, with valuable documents saved just in time before the family moved to a rented house in Kampung Janglau. The experience left a lasting impression on Nur Zakiah, who vividly recalled the night when her family's home was demolished.

Residents of Rompin village have become increasingly vigilant, not just during monsoon season but throughout the year, especially during high tides. Villagers like 30-year-old Azman Jumahir, who has lived in the village his whole life, now face the threat of huge waves entering their homes. The frequency of such incidents has risen over the past few years, with waves carrying debris and plastic bottles into the settlement.

Since 2023, residents have been instructed to evacuate during the monsoon season, not due to floods, but because of the dangerous waves.