Hawker turns boat into floating stall amid worsening floods in Malaysia

A woman, wearing a traditional straw hat, has been seen using a small boat to sell bean curd to flood-stricken residents in the town of Kanowit in Sibu. PHOTO: MEI ZHENG/FACEBOOK via The Star/Asia News Network

KANOWIT, Malaysia – As streets turn into waterways due to worsening floods in Sarawak, one resilient hawker has found a way to continue her business despite the disaster.

A woman wearing a traditional straw hat has been seen using a small boat to sell bean curd to flood-stricken residents in the town of Kanowit in Sibu.

An image of her navigating the floodwaters with trays of neatly arranged fried bean curd and a weighing scale has gone viral on social media, drawing admiration from netizens who liken her efforts to the floating markets of Thailand.

READ: Floods displace 122,000 in Malaysia

With motorcycles and shops partially submerged, the woman’s makeshift floating stall has become a symbol of perseverance.

She continues serving customers by handing them food from her boat, while receiving payments from those standing on higher ground.

Many social media users have praised her adaptability, calling her an inspiration in the face of adversity.

Kanowit has been experiencing heavy rainfall over the past few days, leading to rising water levels that have disrupted daily activities.

READ: No respite for Malaysian flood victims; number climbs to 53,000

Residents are urged to stay safe and take necessary precautions as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

For now, as floodwaters persist, this woman’s boat not only keeps her livelihood afloat but also brings a sense of resilience to a town grappling with nature’s challenges.

A photo of the woman was uploaded by netizen Mei Zheng on Facebook on March 20.

One netizen, Ms Emily Ho, jokingly commented that Kanowit residents no longer need to travel to Thailand to experience a floating market, as “Kanowit has its own floating market”.

Another netizen, Mr Judah Iskariah, added: “On the bright side, this could become one of Kanowit’s tourism attractions. Instead of shutting down businesses, this idea could provide income for hawkers during a crisis. Those unable to go out to buy food and necessities would surely appreciate any available goods to sustain themselves throughout the floods.”