A Malaysian businesswoman was left heartbroken after her floating restaurant was swept away by floodwaters in a dramatic incident on the Kelantan River in Kota Bharu.
Mohd Izhan Ramli, the owner of the JL Fara Houseboat eatery, watched helplessly as the strong currents carried away her livelihood, which had been moored along the river.
In a video that captured the emotional scene, Mohd can be seen walking alongside the drifting restaurant, visibly distraught.
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The incident occurred on the afternoon of November 27, around 3:30 pm.
Mohd explained that the ordeal began when a tree fell onto the restaurant’s roof, causing severe damage.
The impact severed the ropes securing the houseboat, leaving it vulnerable to the surging floodwaters.
Fortunately, no one was inside at the time.
Mohd had canceled bookings that day due to disruptions caused by the floods, a decision that likely prevented injuries or worse.
The JL Fara Houseboat, a thriving business valued at approximately £214,000 (1.2 million RM), was carried about 5 kilometers downstream before being recovered.
Quick action by villagers and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) prevented the floating restaurant from being lost entirely.
The Kelantan APM Marine Unit, stationed just meters from the scene, launched a rescue operation and managed to intercept the houseboat as it drifted into a slower stream.
Along with the restaurant, a raft owned by Mohd was also retrieved.
Despite the successful recovery, the restaurant sustained extensive damage.
Structural issues, ruined furniture, and spoiled stock, including a freezer full of fresh king crabs, have left Mohd facing significant losses.
The damages are estimated at £143,000 (800,000 RM), a staggering blow to her business.
Mohd now faces the daunting task of rebuilding, which will require substantial repairs to both the property and its contents.
To focus on restoration efforts, Mohd has announced a temporary closure, pausing operations for at least a week.
The resilient entrepreneur remains determined to revive her restaurant despite the immense challenges ahead.
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SOURCE: Restaurant owner devastated after eatery floats away during flood
