JASIN, March 7 (Bernama) — Nasi lemak, asam pedas and mee goreng are some of the types of dishes served at the temporary relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Batu Gajah here, and these meals seem to give some sense of ‘calmness’ to the 211 flood evacuees being housed at the shelter.
For flood victim, Saleha Giman, 68, all the meals prepared for them are very satisfying and not once was there an issue of being served stale or still raw food in the four days that she has been staying at the centre.
“Today, for instance, there are some officers who helped to cook in the school canteen after a visit by Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh (Melaka Health and Anti-Drugs executive councillor) who requested the food to be served hot.
“We are very thankful for the care provided, seeing that quite a few elderly people here find it more appetising if the food is hot. Even so, we understand this is a disaster situation and if the rice or side dishes are cold, we will not make a fuss,” he told Bernama.
Meanwhile, Hemilda Abdul Majid, 51, said the food assistance in the form of biscuits, bread and drinks is being continuously sent by various parties who are concerned about the misfortunes of these flood victims.
“We actually do not have the time to feel our hunger, so long as there is food prepared and provided to us by the officers. Sometimes, if the food is cold, I will warm it up in the electric rice cooker that I bought along,” she said.
At the same time, Hemilda, who has some medical issues, was initially worried about being moved to a relief centre after her house in Parit Penghulu Benteng was inundated with knee-high flood waters. However, after four days, everything is beyond her expectations.
“Even though there are many people in the centre, everything is comfortable and orderly. There is an officer who checks on me and other senior citizens.
“These checks include for high blood pressure since when we first moved here, many people could not sleep due to the noise from the children who were having fun playing,” she said.
However, she said, the situation now is good as there are teachers here who are organising various activities to ensure the children and students housed at the centre do not feel bored and wander around.
There are 26 senior citizens and 56 children from Kampung Parit Putat Benteng, Parit Sidang Seman, Batu Gajah Jalan Simen, Kampung Parit Penghulu Benteng and Taman Batu Gajah Pasir being housed at the relief centre at SK Batu Gajah after their houses were flooded.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency