Kuala Lumpur: Villagers of Kampung Felda Air Tawar 1 were caught by surprise after swift surging floodwaters inundated their homes, causing some to have to cling to poles to save themselves from being swept away early this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, villager Anizah Ali, 57, mentioned that no one anticipated the flood, as the water level in the river rose drastically at about 3 am, inundating their homes, especially those next to the river. She considered herself fortunate to have escaped from the chest-high waters to higher ground.

Anizah recounted, "We didn't expect it would flood as last Wednesday the floods hit Kota Tinggi and not our village, but early this morning the water rose so quickly like a surge. Everything at home, including my Raya cookies, the motorcycle, and car couldn't be saved."

Her sister, Halimah, 53, who lives next door, managed to save herself by clinging on to a house pillar for over 20 minutes before the floodwaters dropped slightly. She expressed relief, saying, "Thankfully my son tethered a line for us to walk because the currents were so strong, but I'm grateful all of us are safe."

Another villager, Nureita Amat Pale, 36, shared that she and her husband were unable to save their cars and belongings from the flash floods. She noted that cleaning their mud-filled home would take quite some time.

Village chief Abdul Rashid A Samad reported that 111 houses and about 500 households were affected by the floods, which also caused a bridge at the village to collapse. He hoped that the state government would provide aid to affected villagers as Aidilfitri was approaching.