A few months ago, TikTok user Zalie Fishing, (@jimat_fishing2), shared that his father, A Bakar Che Ahamd (67), built a floating ‘rumah kelong’ to prepare for the upcoming flood season.
As we all know, the old Malay proverb, banyak garam (old people have prior experience about life than the youngsters), the floating house is Zalie’s father’s attempt to save his properties from being carried away by the flood. Of course, he has lived through some of the worst flood cases in Malaysia in 2007, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2021.
Therefore, it’s honestly applaudable and inspiring how A Bakar built everything from scratch. Yet, some belittled his effort and said it wouldn’t stand the severe disaster.
How did A Bakar build the rumah kelong?
A Bakar gathered 69 cylindrical plastic containers that are attached at the base of the house. The containers added buoyancy to the house, thus making it float on water.
Not only that, but A Bakar also added two steel rods that he tied at the right and left of his house. This ensured the structure was steadied. Hence, his rumah kelong was sink-free.
Since his house will always be affected by the catastrophe, A Bakar decided to prepare for the worst by building the floating rumah kelong.
What inspired A Bakar to build it?
He was inspired to make his vision happen after building a floating coop for his chickens. Thankfully, the pen saved 60 of his chickens despite the flood in 2018. Therefore, A Bakar thought he could do the same to his house.
Does it float?
However, we can’t help but be sceptical about it. As A Bakar said, he had no experience in house-building. He, too, didn’t know the rumah kelong would float.
Surprisingly! Zalie posted a video that proved A Bakar’s house did float!
Wow! That’s amazing! We’re relieved and glad his house floated, although the water level is high.
Many people also share the same joy. They’re thankful the plastic containers did their job well!
A Bakar’s floating rumah kelong should be an inspiration for architects and engineers to consider. Since Malaysia can’t escape the flood season, this might be the next step they can take when drafting and building new houses— a floating house that withstands the flood!
Sources: TikTok Zalie Fishing