SERI ISKANDAR: The Perak Fire and Rescue Department has identified 21 hotspots across the state vulnerable to water surge incidents.
Its director Sayani Saidon said these locations span the five districts of Hulu Perak; Larut, Matang and Selama; Kuala Kangsar; Kinta and Kampar.
He said many of the hotspots are popular picnic and recreational sites, with eight located in the Kinta district.
These include KM28 Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands, Lubuk Timah Recreational Centre, Kledang Saiong, Kampung Kota Raja, Ulu Chepor, Lata Peyel, Ulu Geruntum and Sungai Jang.
“As for Larut, Matang and Selama, we are monitoring areas such as the Bukit Jana Waterfall, Burmese Pool Bukit Larut, Lata Air Hitam and Sempeneh, as well as Lata Kekabu, Air Berok picnic area and Lawin Selatan Waterfall (Hulu Perak).
“Attention is also being given to other locations like Ulu Kenas Recreational Forest, Batu Hampar Waterfall and Lata Perahu (Kuala Kangsar), as well as Batu Berangkai Waterfall, Sungai Salu, and Sungai Sahom Kuala Dipang (Kampar),” he told reporters after attending the department’s monthly assembly here yesterday.
Sayani said the department had also identified new areas prone to flash floods, although these locations were previously not listed as hotspot areas.
“For instance, the 19 persons who were trapped at Risda Ulu Slim Eco Park after a recent water surge incident in Kampung Sungai Bil, Slim Village – this area had not been identified as a hotspot location before.
“At-risk areas like these will receive increased attention, including the implementation of early rescue measures. The department is always on high alert.”Sayani also said 302 locations across the state have been classified as flood hotspots, with the highest concentration in the Kerian district with 63 areas.
“This is followed by Kinta with 59 hotspots; Larut, Matang and Selama (57); Kuala Kangsar (37); Hilir Perak (18); Hulu Perak (15); Batang Padang (14); Perak Tengah (13); Bagan Datuk (nine); Manjung (five) and Kampar (four),” he said.
He advised the public to temporarily suspend recreational activities and picnics, particularly in areas prone to drowning or frequent water surges, with the upcoming monsoon season approaching.
