SERIAN: The recent floods that hit several areas of Sarawak since Jan 29 have left Bidayuh paddy farmers in Kampung Sebemban grappling with losses as their crops were submerged just weeks before harvest.
For decades, the villagers had only experienced minor flooding during the king tide. However, this time was different.
Suhoi Yun, a 73-year-old farmer, estimates he lost nearly half of his family’s annual rice stock after floodwaters inundated his fields.
“I planted my paddy in September last year, just as everyone else in the village did.
“The grains were already ripening and nearly ready for harvest by the end of February.
“But half of my field was flooded, and now the stalks have fallen,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Owning a one-acre paddy field, Suhoi typically harvests no less than 50 gunny sacks of rice, approximately equivalent to two and a half tonnes.
Now, he expects to yield fewer than 30 sacks.
Adding to his losses, much of his paddy fertilizer was washed away by the floodwaters.
Beyond rice farming, Suhoi also cultivates oil palm trees, with approximately 900 trees on his land.
While the trees remain resilient to water, the flood prevented him from harvesting the ripe fruits.
“I was just about to start harvesting, but then my entire plantation was underwater.
“Many of the fruits are already ripe, but I have no choice but to wait for the waters to fully recede before I can collect them and sell them,” he said.
Suhoi and his family had anticipated some flooding after hearing reports of rising waters in upstream areas like Tebedu and Tebakang.
They moved essential belongings to the upper level of their home but assumed the waters would not be severe enough to damage their farm.
However, upon returning from celebrating Chinese New Year in Kuching with his children, Suhoi was shocked to find his home inundated.
“We expected some flooding, but never thought the water would rise high enough to enter our home.
“The last time our village was hit by a major flood was 10 years ago,” he added.
As floodwaters gradually subside, Suhoi and his fellow villagers are left to assess their losses and brace for the challenging months ahead.
Despite the setback, he remains hopeful that with resilience and support, the community will recover from this unexpected disaster.
