Floods force Sanusi, family to evacuate Seri Mentaloon official residence

Floodwaters reach nearly one metre at the Kedah MB's home

Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, and his family have been forced to move to a safer location after their official residence at Seri Mentaloon was increasingly flooded. - Social media pic, November 30, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR — Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, and his family have been forced to move to a safer location after their official residence at Seri Mentaloon was increasingly flooded.

Helmi Khalid, the Menteri Besar’s special media officer, confirmed that the decision to evacuate was made as the water levels in the residence continued to rise throughout the morning, local media reported.

By this afternoon, the floodwaters had reached nearly one metre, caused by the overflow of Sungai Anak Bukit behind Seri Mentaloon.

“Water levels began to rise from this morning, and by the afternoon, the water at the Menteri Besar’s residence had reached waist-height (almost one metre),” Helmi said.

“The Menteri Besar decided to evacuate early this afternoon to a safer place.”

However, Helmi did not disclose the location where Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi and his family have relocated.

A video shared on TikTok by Helmi shows the Menteri Besar carrying his daughter out of the residence, while his wife, Tok Puan Seri Jusmalailani Jusoh, and their other children were seen carrying bags.

Earlier reports revealed that the two-storey official residence had been submerged since the morning. Located less than 100 metres from the banks of Sungai Anak Bukit, the residence is particularly vulnerable to flooding.

Bernama reported yesterday that the flooding has also impacted the official residence, with water initially entering the staff quarters near the riverbank before spreading to the living room, kitchen, and dining area. As of yesterday, the water level in the kitchen had reached 0.5 metres.

Despite the flooding, Helmi confirmed that other parts of the compound, including the surau, Melur Hall, and Seri Mentaloon Hall, had remained unaffected.

“This is not the first time Seri Mentaloon has been flooded. It occurred during the major floods of 2010, and last September’s floods also caused water to enter the residence, but the current situation is worse,” Helmi added. – November 30, 2024