Flash floods in the East coast of Malaysia in states such as Kelantan and Terengganu have been really bad. It has left many locals stranded, unable to do anything and merely surviving as they wait to receive help.
Fortunately, certain heroes from other parts of the country have gone to the state to help those in need. However, others have been criticised for not actually helping and fleeing the scene when it got bad for them.
Recently, a video of Ajil assemblyman Maliaman Kassim went viral after the lorry carrying aid which he was in was suddenly carried away by floodwaters.
Terharu dengan semangat Yb Maliaman Kassim yang turun membantu mangsa banjir. Sekali lori yang dia naik pun terkandas. Alhamdulillah selamat. pic.twitter.com/V96NIrMYay
— Suhazeli Abdullah (@suhazeli) February 27, 2022
Maliaman was with 13 members of the Terengganu Civil Defence Force when strong currents swept the lorry away. In the video, he was seen to be boarding a boat with 3 other people whilst a few others were left standing on the lorry and waiting for help.
Although his boat left first, it was revealed that another boat had come to rescue those that were stranded on the lorry, 15 minutes later.
Second boat on da way pic.twitter.com/Wd9ENfMmnr
— Suhazeli Abdullah (@suhazeli) February 27, 2022
Netizens slammed him for being ‘selfish’
The video garnered plenty of attention with many netizens calling Maliaman selfish for leaving behind the others when there was room for more on the boat.
“You’re abandoning flood victims instead of helping them,” commented one user.
One user questioned why more people weren’t let on the boat. “His boat only had 3 others, whilst the other boat will be packed? Just pretending to be a leader that cares about the rakyat.”
Another user said that he as the leader should lead by example and not just think of himself.
“As a leader, if my team members have not eaten, not rested and are not safe, my priority would be towards them.”
“When they are safe and have eaten and everything only then will I think about myself,” they added.
What do you think? Is he being selfish or is that just standard procedure? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: “Why is no one talking about it?” – M’sian Reveals How Bad The Flood In Terengganu Really Is
