I read the news about Kemaman with a gloomy heart. It's sad to see the destruction caused by the worst flood in the district's history. Indeed, the folks may have never thought that a disaster of such scale would ever hit them, though they are fully aware of the monsoon that hits Terengganu every year without fail.
I frequently visit Kemaman, and more frequently pass by on the way from or to Kuala Lumpur. The Centre Point, which houses The Store departmental retail, was perhaps the only mall in Terengganu when I was a kid, and it shares the accolade of being 'the first in Terengganu' with a McDonald's in Kerteh, also in the Kemaman district.
This morning, Abah called me to inform the passing of a close relative living in Kemaman. Allahyarhamah passed away two days ago but the immediate family could only tell us early this morning due to the predicament. I was told that the jenazah had to be carried by a boat from the Hospital, which is also flooded along with the whole town. Abah said that he and Mak would try to get to Kemaman today and pay a visit but they had to bear 'tawakal' to Allah as the flood hasn't shown signs of receding.
I don't know how bad it is in Kemaman, someone said that the number of victims at the evac centres are bigger than that reported on the news. The meteorology service also predicts a second wave to hit soon. I pray and hope to Allah that He may give the people of Kemaman the strong hearts to persevere. As aptly stated by the iconic signboard at the face of Bukit Besar, Allah Peliharakanlah Terengganu.
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