Heed early warning signs to avoid tragedy outdoors, says Civil Defence

PETALING JAYA: Heed early warning signs and always take precautionary measures to avoid tragedies during outdoor leisure activities, says the Civil Defence Force (APM).

APM chief commissioner Aminurrahim Mohamed said this includes doing weather checks and setting up camp or picnic sites further from water bodies during outdoor leisure activities.

“Do some research on the weather conditions of the place you intend to visit. Tents should be pitched at a distance from water bodies so you have enough time to escape in case the water levels suddenly rise,” he said in a statement on Monday (July 3).

Campers should also report their planned activities to the nearest police station, he said.

Aminurrahim advised campers to also take heed of possible changes to water levels, changes in colour and water current speeds at water bodies near their site.

“These are among the indicators that something dangerous may happen. Noticing them early allows you to take precautionary actions and prevent being swept away by water surges, like the one that occured in Kemaman, Terengganu recently,” he said.

On Saturday (July 1), 10 people having a picnic at the Jeram Air Putih waterfall in Kemaman, Terengganu were swept away by a water surge phenomenon.

Six of the victims bodies were recovered as of press time, with search operations ongoing for four more.

In line with the strong westerly winds warning recently issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Aminurrahim reminded the public to also be wary or strong winds and heavy rains.

“They have the potential to cause landslides, water surges, structural damages and even uprooting trees,” he added.