Kelantan issues alert for potential water surge and landslide areas

PETALING JAYA: The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department has identified 18 areas prone to the water surge phenomenon and eight areas at risk of landslides amid recent heavy rains.

State Fire Service Department Director Zainal Madasin announced the identified regions include Jeram Pasu and Jeram Mengaji in Pasir Puteh, Lata Rek, Lata Berangin and Air Terjun Istana Sangkut among others.

The other areas are Lata Chenulang, Lata Y, Air Terjun Jelawang Dabong and Lata Kertas in Kuala Krai.

He also listed two recreational spots in Tanah Merah – Lata Hujan and Lata Bijih – and in Jeli: Lata Janggut, Lata Keding, Lata Turbo, and Lata Kashmir.

Additionally, the Bukit Bakar and Jerama Linang waterfalls in Machang, as well as Jeram Pelangi and Renok in Gua Musang have been pinpointed, Zainal said on Sunday (September 8).

Zainal provided these updates to journalists following the department's monthly assembly.

For landslide risks, he identified vulnerable locations such as Jalan Kuala Betis-Lojing, Jalan Gua Musang-Lojing, and the Jeli Gerik North-South Highway, along with areas in Lojing in Gua Musang, near Lata Rek, the Gunung Stong vicinity, Kampung Chuchuh Puteri in Kuala Krai, and Batu 18, Jalan Timur Barat Jeli.

The department plans to intensify surveillance in these high-risk areas, particularly during the season of unpredictable weather.

Zainal emphasized that the department will collaborate with non-governmental organisations and local communities to ensure effective communication and safety information dissemination.