In December 2021, severe flooding swept through Malaysia’s Klang Valley, leaving widespread devastation in its wake, particularly in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life, destruction of property, and prolonged hardship for affected residents. Journalists and photographers who covered the event continue to recall the intense scenes and human suffering they witnessed during those days.

One of the most harrowing experiences involved a bedridden man trapped with his family on the upper floor of their home as floodwaters surged around them for more than 24 hours. Relief workers eventually arrived, delivering food and water through a window before rescuing the man by rolling him onto a foam mattress and carrying him to safety. Although he was saved from immediate danger, the man passed away months later, and his daughter remained deeply traumatized, storing supplies in her home for years afterward.

Reporters documented the widespread destruction—homes inundated with mud, debris scattered everywhere, and the lingering foul smells. Former journalist Wani Muthiah described the extent of the havoc and expressed shock at the fatalities, emphasizing the long-lasting emotional impact on survivors.

For photographer Raja Faisal Hishan, the flooding turned roads and highways into vast waterways, forcing rescue operations to rely on Armed Forces boats. Traveling alongside military personnel, he witnessed residents eagerly awaiting food deliveries, some having gone as long as three days without rice. Due to limited capacity, relief teams sometimes had to leave behind small items like biscuits and water, promising to return with further aid.

Journalist Justin Zack also noted the chaos and difficulties in accessing the worst-affected locations. He recalled confrontations between frustrated residents and politicians visiting after the immediate crisis had passed. His own experience on board a military boat revealed scenes reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic landscape, with floating debris, destroyed vehicles, and ruined homes. Zack described the emotional toll on those who had lost their livelihoods and could only voice their pleas for assistance through the media. One elderly woman, who declined evacuation and ingeniously set up a pulley system to receive supplies, left a particularly lasting impression despite her polite and gracious demeanor amid adversity.

Photographer Samuel Ong compared the aftermath to a “mini tsunami,” detailing the pervasive mud, refuse, and strong odors that filled the environment. He highlighted the challenges posed not only by the disaster but also by safety concerns amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. While acknowledging that journalists sometimes push boundaries to capture compelling images, Ong reflected on the collective response of Malaysians who rallied to provide food, clothing, and cleanup efforts.

For those who covered the 2021 floods, the assignment extended beyond reporting—it was about witnessing firsthand the personal losses endured by countless individuals. Even five years later, the memories of those moments serve as a stark reminder of the human dimension behind one of Malaysia’s most devastating natural disasters in recent history.