[UPDATED] Tourist hotspot Bukit Tinggi hit by severe floods after continuous rain

THE popular tourism site of Bukit Tinggi, known for its idyllic highland setting and adventure trekking paths, was hit by severe flash floods following continuous heavy rain for several hours last night.

The situation became particularly terrifying due to the steep slope, which caused muddy floodwaters to cascade down like a rushing river from the top of the mountainous range.

Scores of vehicles and buildings were surrounded by raging currents and damaged.

Based on viral video clips of the incident, a continuous torrent of water gushed down at high speed from high altitude to flood the middle and low-lying areas, including the town of Bukit Tinggi.

Several vehicles were caught in the flood while makeshift structures like wooden stalls were swept away by the strong and rapid water flow.

It is understood that the flash floods also affected populated foothill areas around Genting Highlands as well as Janda Baik nearby.

Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman called on operators of chalets and guesthouses at Bukit Tinggi and Janda Baik, and also the visitors camping there, to be on the alert due to the possibility of weather conditions deteriorating.

She urged them to heed the authorities’ instructions if there is a need to evacuate.

She had earlier met with senior officers at the Bukit Tinggi fire station and the Bentong Fire and Rescue team, and also the Genting and Bentong police stations.

She said she needed to see for herself the route in Janda Baik that was cut off and a landslide that resulted in large trees falling and blocking the road.

“I have already requested the cooperation of the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry to visit the affected areas quickly so that the repair works can be done immediately,” she said in a post on Facebook.

She noted that numerous police officers had already been stationed at badly affected areas, with MPVs and other resources on standby to render assistance.

Several roads were forced to be closed due to the dangerous currents. The situation improved by early morning.

Responding to a netizen, Syefura said she has raised concerns about the situation around the hill before, especially on the waterways, rocks and slopes, and the condition of the bridges. – The Vibes, November 26, 2023