CHENOR, June 29 — Coming back to his hometown after 30 years in the big city, Tengku Hussain Tengku Ahmad wanted to give the young in Bandar Lama Chenor a chance to explore technology through the cyberworld.

The 50-year-old army retiree’s years of labour to save up RM300,000 to open up a cybercafe was gone in the blink of an eye after the floods destroyed the computers, laptops and other gadgets in his shop.

Tengku Hussain said the old town had no other place that provided free Internet access.

“It was nice having the young hanging out at my shop because I could educate them about the cyberworld and the history of the town which many have forgotten.”

Tengku Hussain, who grew up in Chenor, said the town was close to his heart because of its historical value.

“This town used to be one of the river transits when we had no roads. It was only accessible by boat through Pahang River,” he said.

He said many of those living there were accustomed to the rivers and flooding was nothing new to them.

“Last year’s floods took us by surprise,” he said.

He recalled the rapid rise of the water level of Pahang River.

“We are prepared for massive flooding every four years, with the last in 2013. We didn’t expect it to happen again so soon.”

Tengku Hussain said water rose up to his waist. The next thing he knew, his shop was submerged.

He said villagers used boats to conduct rescue missions, transferring people to safety at SMK Tengku Ampuan Afzan.

“We were disconnected from each other with high water levels, rising tension and our dead phone batteries,” he said.

Over 100 families comprising 320 people were cramped in the school hall.

“We were more worried about the safety of the people than our properties.”

He said after the floods subsided, it was pure despair.

Tengku Hussain lost almost everything he built over five years. Even then, he was not entirely disheartened.

“I can still look for income in other sectors but for those who have nothing but their small businesses are affected the most because they have to rebuild everything.”

He said although food aid was given, it was almost impossible to rebuild their businesses.

“SME Corporation Malaysia told villagers to buy everything first before claiming from the company with receipts. How can we do that if we do not have any money?”

He said they appreciated the help but were still in the lurch because many had to fork out their own money to replace items.

“What can we do with RM500 aid? We can barely feed ourselves for a week, what more repair our broken premises.”