AN e-hailing driver became an unexpected hero when he used his fishing boat to rescue more than 100 schoolchildren trapped in floods at a school in Taman Tampoi Utama here on Thursday.

Mohd Afiq Yuzaini, 30, braved neck-deep waters with the help of three of his neighbours, making more than 30 trips on foot and by boat to evacuate stranded students, senior citizens, disabled individuals and even pets from rising floodwaters.

“Lives matter more than possessions. If not us, then who?” he said at his flood-hit home in Villa Ros, Taman Tampoi Indah here yesterday.

About 10am on Thursday, Afiq learned from his neighbours that their children were trapped as floodwaters inundated SK Taman Tampoi Utama.

Realising he was the only one with an inflatable boat, he quickly inflated it while his neighbours carried it to the submerged area.

“I walked nearly a kilometre back and forth more than 30 times from morning till night, rescuing as many people as possible.

“The boat engine was useless in shallow areas, so we had to push it.” Afiq’s own home was inundated.

His wife, their 11-month-old baby, and two pet cats were moved to the upper floor for safety, but some important documents were lost.

His father, Yuzaini Mohd Yusop, 55, rushed from Singapore to assist. He managed to save Afiq’s car but lost his own vehicle to the floodwaters.

Afiq, who has lived in Villa Ros for 10 years, described the floods as the worst in 21 years. Many vehicles were submerged as residents were at work when the waters rose.

“My home was ruined, and I won’t be celebrating Raya this year. “But I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to help scores of flood victims. It is the greatest blessing.”

Afiq said his small boat had leaks that required constant draining to stay afloat, but seeing relieved parents reunited with their children made every trip worthwhile.