HULU SELANGOR, Nov 11 — Fourteen recreational areas in Hulu Selangor have been identified as high-risk locations for water surges, with Sungai Pertak, Sungai Siling, and Sungai Batang Kali emerging as the three main hotspots.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations assistant director Ashrul Riezal Asbar said Sungai Batang Kali recorded four water surge incidents this year, followed by Sungai Siling with three, and Sungai Pertak with two.
"Of the nine incidents recorded at these three locations, only the one at Sungai Pertak involved victims, while the others did not result in any casualties," he told Bernama at the JBPM Forward Control Post at Jambatan Pertak today.
The other 11 high-risk locations were Lata Medang in Kuala Kubu Baharu, Sungai Inki in Kalumpang, River View Sungai Bernam in Hulu Selangor, Sungai Sendat and Sungai Tua in Ulu Yam, Sungai Kedondong in Batang Kali, Sungai Cilin in Kuala Kubu Baharu, Sungai Pinang in Batang Kali, Air Terjun Serendah in Serendah, as well as Air Terjun Semangkuk and Sungai Liam in Hulu Selangor.
In view of the northeast monsoon, Ashrul advised the public to temporarily suspend water-based recreational activities to avoid untoward incidents.
The advisory aims to raise awareness among local communities and visitors about the dangers of sudden water surges, particularly amid unpredictable weather conditions.
Eight people, comprising one Malaysian and seven foreigners, were swept away by strong currents during a water surge at Sungai Pertak at 5.30pm on Monday (November 9).
Five were found drowned, including Malaysian V. Vijayan, 36; Nepalese national Kapali, 49; and Indian national B. Kunjanmalayil, 35. Authorities are establishing the identities of the other two, an Indian and a Sri Lankan.
The search continues for the remaining three victims, comprising two Indian nationals and a Yemeni.
