IPOH: Pay attention to the weather before participating in any water-based activities, says the fire department.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Sayani Saidon said the people need to be more vigilant and mindful of the weather, especially during the north-east monsoon season that brings continuous heavy rain.
“Even before the (Sungai Jahang) incident, we had issued warnings to be cautious of the weather and avoid water-based activities.
“We hope that recreational centre operations will temporarily halt these activities like water rafting,” she said when contacted.
“Water levels rise because of increased rain. We urge people to avoid taking part in any water-based activities until the weather improves.
“I would like to remind everyone to be careful and to exercise greater care,” Sayani said, adding that the department had previously highlighted a list of locations that are particularly vulnerable to the water surge phenomenon.
Three Public Works Department (JKR) employees, Langkawi JKR senior assistant Mohamad Khairul Hakim Hamidi, 37; Central Seberang Perai JKR engineer Suhaili Mat Saad, 47; and Langkawi JKR customer service officer Muhammad Ikram Abdul Bari, 29, drowned in a water surge incident at Sungai Jahang in Gopeng last Friday.
They were thought to have fallen into the water after their boat capsized and became swept away while participating in a water rafting activity.
Reports also indicated a sudden rise in the river level due to continuous heavy rain.
After the incident, the Kampar district immediately suspended all recreational and outdoor water sports involving rivers.
In September, Sayani noted that there were 21 hotspot areas in the state that are vulnerable to water surge incidents.
These locations included recreational sites and waterfalls in five districts: Hulu Perak, Larut Matang and Selama, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta and Kampar.
Sayani said the department is always prepared to face any emergencies.
She said they had held a large-scale rural emergency disaster exercise just at the end of last month to prepare for the monsoon season.
“The situation in the state is still under control. We have sufficient manpower on standby for any emergency incidents.”
