During the recent flash flood in Klang Valley, the water level rose rapidly causing everyone to be stuck wherever they were at that time. Some were just stuck in the comfort of their own homes. While the less fortunate ones were stuck on top of their house roofs like our friends in Taman Sri Muda, or inside their car.
Everyone from individuals to associations and organisations have been rushing to help those affected from the flood. However, there are still a few who were seen prioritising their own self-interest.
Said party in this case is AEON Mall Shah Alam. On the day of the flash flood (18th December 2021), there were heaps of people stranded in the area because roads were closed, and the water levels were rising. Many were seeking shelter from the storm at AEON Mall Shah Alam.
However, to their disappointment, the management and security guards of AEON Mall Shah Alam kicked them out of the mall for fear of theft risk! All of those who sought shelter at AEON Mall Shah Alam were forced to either stay in their cars or stand by the roadside in the rain at night. There were children, the elderly and disabled people amongst the flood victims whom AEON kicked out.
Despite negotiations by several of the victims, AEON was still persistent with their decision of not letting any of them in. This has incited anger amongst netizens upon seeing a big company like AEON prioritising their “corporate responsibilities”. A netizen on Twitter even went to the extent of equating AEON Mall Shah Alam to a certain politician.
AEON MALL Shah Alam menyantuni 570 orang pelanggan yang terkandas disebabkan oleh banjir kilat di Shah Alam, Selangor.
Dalam keadaan yang tidak bersedia serta kekangan tenaga kerja, kami berusaha dengan sebaik mungkin untuk memastikan keselesaan mereka. pic.twitter.com/63fdam1EDA
— AEON Retail Malaysia (@aeonretailmy) December 19, 2021
However, due to the Facebook post that went viral regarding this issue, AEON Mall Shah Alam released an official public statement apologising for their treatment towards flash flood victims who sought shelter. They have also provided refuge to 570 flood victims. “Despite being unprepared as well as lacking in manpower, we are doing everything that we can to ensure their (flood victims) comfort (while seeking shelter),“they tweeted on Sunday.
Although the apology was issued, the damage had already been done.
Source: Murai.
