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DENGKIL – Despite his health issues, K. Maniam Rajoo was adamant that his condition would not dampen his spirit to help those affected by the recent floods, providing a free towing service for owners of cars and motorcycles damaged by the disaster.
The 46-year-old father of three suffered broken ribs, a fractured neck, and broke his right leg after he was involved in an accident in 2018, which also limited his movement.
He said it all started when he was contacted by his neighbours and friends on December 18, asking for his help to tow their vehicles following the sudden rise of floodwater.
“During that time, the water in our residential area at Pangsapuri Jenderam Indah here had already reached waist level.
“I rushed to the location given by the caller at about 8pm. We managed to tow the car to a higher place,” he said.
Maniam said that so far, he had towed 20 cars and 15 motorcycles to workshops in Bangi and around Dengkil for repairs after the floods receded three days ago.
“My intentions are sincere. All the vehicles will be towed to the flood victims’ desired workshops so that they are satisfied with my service.
“I hope the public can help spread this initiative because many still do not know that I offer a free towing service,” said the tow truck operator who hails from Changlun, Kedah.
Meanwhile, NPS Motorcycle Workshop owner A. Devarajoo, 42, said he imposed low service charges and offered affordable prices to owners of motorcycles damaged by the floods as he understands the challenges faced by the victims, who suffered huge losses due to the disaster.
With the help of two workers, Devarajoo said, he would do his best to ensure that all the motorcycles are repaired to be as good as they were before and returned to the owners soon.
“Usually, motorcycles submerged in water will suffer damage to the plug and air filter. After we repair them, we will change the engine oil,” said Devarajoo, who started his workshop business in Kg Lalang here three months ago.
ZAS Auto owner Mohd Hamizul Jubri, 46, said that so far his workshop had received almost 10 cars from owners around Dengkil and Shah Alam.
Hamizul, who has been running the workshop for the past four years, said floods generally cause several parts of the car, namely the gear box, electrical control unit, and air conditioning system, to malfunction.
“Although repairing cars can be quite complicated, I will treat these vehicles as my own car and charge the owners a nominal fee to ensure the owners are satisfied.
“Repairs may take time because I have to thoroughly check the car’s condition. I will make sure to inform the customer first, especially of the cost, before replacing any damaged parts,” he said. – Bernama, December 28, 2021