Disabled flood victim grateful for help

KANGAR: Having to evacuate because of flooding is troublesome for anyone, but a challenge for disabled people like Siti Aishah Mat, 76, who is paralysed from the waist down.

The wheelchair-bound woman, who has been alone since her husband’s death, is grateful that she is taken care of by the employees of government agencies at the SK Bintong flood relief centre.

Moving around at the school, particularly getting to the restroom, is an uphill task for Siti Aishah as the school lacks disabled-friendly facilities.

“They were quick to respond and have never failed to get me to the restroom, even at midnight.

“At least four of them will carry me and put me in the wheelchair, and the female employees will accompany me inside the restroom,” she said.

Siti Aishah, of Abi Beseri, was relocated to the relief centre with the help of Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel after her house was flooded on Friday.

“I was worried that I could not leave the house in time, but luckily, a passer-by heard my cry for help and contacted APM. The agency’s personnel arrived in a few minutes and brought me here (SK Bintong flood relief centre),” she said.

Siti Aishah is one of more than 400 evacuees at the centre.

The government staff keep a close eye on evacuees with special needs.

Nurul Jannah Sabri, a state Welfare Department worker, said the department provided wheelchairs and adult diapers for disabled evacuees.

“Our major constraint is the lack of disabled-friendly facilities at this school. But by teaming up