IPOH: Four drowning incidents were recorded in Perak throughout November, resulting in three victims' deaths and one believed to have drowned.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department acting director Yusri Mohd Yusof @ Hashim said the first case occurred on Nov 8, involving a 20-year-old man who drowned at the Taman Suria Waterfall in Taiping.
He said the second case was reported on Nov 9 at B7, Jalan Sungai Pinang Besar, Pulau Pangkor, involving a Myanmar man who was confirmed drowned, followed by an incident on Nov 10 at Sungai Jahang, Gopeng, which claimed the life of a two-year-and-10-month-old boy.
According to him, the fourth incident occurred on Nov 11, involving a woman who was swept away and died in the Sungai Jalong, near Sungai Siput, thus requiring the public to pay serious attention to safety advice in the waters.
"Avoid swimming activities in rivers, waterfalls and risky areas. Be cautious during the rainy season and Northeast Monsoon (MTL)," he said through the Perak Fire and Rescue Department's safety infographic information uploaded on Facebook on Thursday (Nov 12).
"Supervise children near bodies of water, use life jackets during water recreational activities, and contact 999 for emergencies."
Meanwhile, Yusri also reminded the public about safety precautions in preparation for flash floods (caused by a sudden surge of water) by being alert to weather conditions in upstream areas of the river and recognising early signs such as strong currents, changes in water colour and loud flowing sounds.
He said the public is advised to stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying areas, and to comply with the instructions and warnings from the authorities, as well as to monitor weather forecasts and warnings from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) in preparation for floods.
For flood preparedness measures, Yusri said residents need to prepare emergency bags containing important documents, medications, food, drinking water and flashlights, in addition to turning off electricity and gas supplies in the event of a flood, and be ready to move to temporary evacuation centres when instructed.
To visitors to recreational areas, he reminded them to obtain the latest information on weather conditions and the areas they wish to visit, and to avoid recreational activities in rivers, waterfalls, rapids, or high-risk areas during uncertain weather.
"Choose a safe, legal, and authorised recreational location and prioritise the safety of yourself, family, and friends throughout the recreational activity. Always be vigilant, prioritise safety and prevention before it's too late," he said.
Meanwhile, Yusri also issued a warning about the MTL season, advising the public to refrain from engaging in activities at rivers and mountains.
"Temporarily halt swimming and recreational activities in rivers. Do not engage in climbing and camping activities in mountainous and forest areas.
"Be cautious of the risk of flash floods, landslides and falling trees. Follow the authorities' instructions and the closure of recreational areas," he added. – Bernama
