Three houses in Sungai Petani village hit by mudslide

Sungai Petani village experienced a mudslide following heavy rainfall this afternoon, affecting three houses in Kampung Serukam. The incident is thought to have occurred when heavy rain began at 12:30 pm, resulting in a collapse at a nearby housing project site. The water and mud then flowed into the residents' homes.

One of the victims, Siti Aishah Hassan, 44, recounted that her parents-in-law's house was submerged with water up to 0.5 meters deep. Both her parents-in-law had already been moved to a safer location as they had suffered strokes. She expressed fear for their well-being, stating that had they been in the house, the outcome could have been dire. The heavy rain caused the water to flow rapidly, rising quickly within a short time.

Household items such as furniture and appliances, including a refrigerator and washing machine, were overturned. Other belongings were scattered, and the interior of the house was covered in mud. Her brother-in-law, Rashid Khamis, 44, who was asleep in the lower part of the house, managed to escape after realizing water and mud had entered the dwelling.

Scientex SP Astana project site supervisor Mohd Haniff Ramli confirmed that three houses were affected, two of which were located within the project site. He mentioned that a similar incident happened about a year ago, when a team was sent to clean the affected houses and clear the road. Currently, the residents' houses are being cleaned, and damage assessment will follow.

The affected residents living within the project site were informed of a proposal to relocate them, but the matter remains under negotiation between the parties involved. The housing project is currently in the earthworks and construction phase.