Recent flash floods have caused extensive damage to grave structures at the Kampung Toh Johan Muslim Cemetery in Kuala Trong, Perak, resulting in the resurfacing of buried bodies.
According to Harian Metro, residents reported that the remains, buried roughly a month ago, were swept away by strong flood currents after being dislodged from their wooden coffins or burial chambers. Several other graves were also found to be eroded.
Bukit Gantang Member of Parliament, Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, confirmed he had been informed of the incident, which also damaged grave borders and headstones due to the force of the floodwaters.
āThe flood currents this time were extremely strong. They swept away many things, including graves. In Kuala Trong, even coffins containing bodies were displaced, and roads were cracked.”
He added that he would arrange for an excavator and necessary equipment to restore the graves by pushing soil back over the affected areas.
āThe body may have already been retrieved by villagers,ā he noted.
When asked about immediate action, Syed Abu Hussin said the matter required consultation with relevant parties due to religious sensitivities.
āI cannot decide on my own because religious laws are involved. I will discuss the matter with the mosque committee and the village committee. Any additional work must be agreed upon through a formal meeting.”
Flood impact across Bukit Gantang
In a related development, Syed Abu Hussin, who also serves as Head of the Task Force for the National Food Security Action Council (NACCOL), described the flood as one of the worst to hit his parliamentary constituency.
A total of 1,813 victims from 645 families have been relocated to 19 Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) across the Larut, Matang & Selama (LMS) district, which includes Bukit Gantang.
To ensure the welfare of displaced individuals, Syed Abu Hussin announced that postpartum mothers with newborns and elderly individuals with chronic illnesses would be relocated to a hotel in Taiping for better comfort.
He also proposed that the LMS District and Land Office allow the Bukit Gantang Parliamentary Service Centre to be used as an additional shelter.
āI will arrange to move these groups to the hotel so they can be more comfortable, especially those who have just given birth or are ill and struggling at the PPS,ā he said.
Syed Abu Hussin expressed hope that the MADANI government would prioritise and expedite the implementation of Integrated Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB) projects, particularly in flood-prone areas like Bukit Gantang.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Let us know in the comment section below.
