Three die while water rafting in Perak as monsoon season approaches

IPOH, Perak – All recreational and outdoor water sports activities on rivers in Kampar district in the Malaysian state of Perak have been suspended with immediate effect, following a water-surge tragedy at Sungai Jahang, Gopeng, which claimed three lives on Nov 15.

District officer Nazrul Fahmi Mohamad said the suspension includes water rafting and water tubing activities.

“The Kampar District Disaster Management Committee has decided that all recreational and outdoor activities are to be halted until further notice from the authorities,” he said in a statement.

Acting Perak police chief Zulkafli Sariaat said the order is to take effect immediately.

“We advise the public, as well as organisers, to exercise caution during water activities and to remain vigilant about weather conditions before proceeding,” he said in a statement on Nov 16.

National news agency Bernama reported that three Public Works Department (JKR) officers drowned while participating in a water rafting activity at Sungai Jahang on Nov 15.

The victims were identified as Mr Suhaili Mat Saad, 47, a district engineer with Seberang Perai Tengah JKR in Penang; Mr Mohamad Khairul Hakim Hamidi, 37, a senior assistant engineer at Langkawi JKR in Kedah; and Mr Muhammad Ikram Abdul Bari, 29, a customer service officer at Langkawi JKR.

The incident was believed to have been triggered by continuous heavy rain, which led to a sudden rise in the water level of Sungai Jahang, resulting in a boat carrying six passengers and a guide capsizing. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK