In a remarkable display of ingenuity and care, a man in Kampung Chapu, Malaysia, has devised a practical solution to ensure his bedridden father's safety and comfort during floods. Zulkifli Che Noh, 37, tied three metal drums to his fathers adjustable bed, allowing it to float when their home became submerged in floodwaters.
Zulkifli's father, Che Noh Che Hassan, 79, has been bedridden for the past decade due to a neurological disorder that has worsened over time. "My father has had a neurological disease for 20 years, but he has been unable to get up or sit up since the beginning of this year," Zulkifli shared.
Previously, during floods, Zulkifli and the villagers would lift Che Noh, seated on a handled chair, to the upper level of the house. However, the recurring nature of these floods prompted a need for a more efficient and less labor-intensive solution. Villagers suggested the idea of attaching metal drums to the bed, enabling it to float.
The idea was put to the test on Wednesday, November 27, when floodwaters rose to thigh level. The floating bed proved successful, allowing Che Noh to remain in his home rather than being moved to a higher floor or evacuated to a temporary relief center.
"My father is not comfortable in a relief center due to his health condition," Zulkifli explained. "This way, my mother and siblings can take turns caring for him at home while the others stay at the relief center."
Despite the success of this inventive solution, Zulkifli acknowledged the need for flexibility in case conditions worsen. The family is prepared to relocate Che Noh to a relief center if absolutely necessary.
Living near a river, Zulkifli's home faces annual flooding during the monsoon season, an experience he has grown accustomed to since childhood. Yet, his determination to ensure his fathers comfort highlights the extraordinary lengths people will go to for their loved ones in times of crisis.
The story of Zulkifli's efforts has inspired many, showcasing not only his resourcefulness but also the deep bond between family members in the face of adversity.