Public told to be wary of the deadly water surge

IPOH: Twenty-nine hikers were making their way up Gunung Suku in Simpang Pulai in mid-May. It was an enjoyable adventure.

Then, a sudden surge of water swept away See Su Yen, 32, and Ng Yee Chew, 46. The two women, from Cheras and Klang respectively, were later found dead.

On Aug 28, a 28-year-old man was found drowned at the Burmese Pool waterfall in Bukit Larut in Taiping – he was killed in a water surge incident.

The danger of the water surge phenomenon is very real.

With the school holidays, more people are thronging recreational areas. Waterfalls and rivers are usually ideal locations for picnickers – but they are also where water surges can happen.

Jungle survival expert Mat Rasli Mat Zain, 54, said the first thing a layman must look out for were dried leaves and wood drifting in a river or waterfall.

He said this was a water surge warning sign.

“When you see this, get out of the water,” said Mat Rasli, who has been training professionals, civil servants and students on jungle survival.

“Also at a waterfall, don’t go in where the water is of darker colour. That is a sign that the water is very deep,” he said.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department’s acting Operations Division deputy director Muhamad Shahrizal Aris said the department had directed all stations to monitor recreational sites.

He said they handed out safety pamphlets with information on safe recreational water activities along with what to do during emergencies, adding that with the unpredictable weather, it was best to avoid water-related activities.

State Forestry Department director Datuk Mohamed Zin Yusop advised those visiting recreational areas or eco-parks to be alert to the weather changes and rising water levels.

“Children must be supervised and not swim in deep and dangerous waters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johor Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Mohd Rizal Buang said the last few days had seen heavy downpours in many districts in the state.

He said the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had forecast for such weather to continue in the days ahead.

Mohd Rizal said the department was currently working with local authorities and the Forestry Department to put up warning signs.

He said firemen were also monitoring rivers, waterfalls, ponds and coastal areas.

“We are constantly checking these public places, especially now with the school holidays.

Mohd Rizal urged the public to monitor MetMalaysia or the National Disaster Management Agency for any alerts and warnings.

Kota Tinggi district officer Datin Paduka Hazlina Jalil said the district disaster management committee would meet next week as part of its preparation for the north-east monsoon.

“This is to ensure that all relevant agencies and authority bodies are well prepared for any disaster such as floods or water surges,” she said.