THREE people, including two boys, were killed after being swept away by powerful currents when a sudden headwater surge struck Sungai Sedim near Sedim Rainforest Resort in Karangan on Friday.
Two other victims survived the incident.
The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said the victims' bodies were found floating in the river midway down the hill following an intensive search operation.
The Kedah Fire and Rescue Department Operations Centre received an emergency call through the MERS 999 line at 2.27pm, prompting firefighters from the Kulim Hi-Tech Fire and Rescue Station to rush to the scene.
Operations commander Mohamad Yazan Yahaya said the tragedy is believed to have occurred when the headwater phenomenon swept through the waterfall area, carrying several people away in the fast-flowing current.
Preliminary information identified the deceased as one adult woman and two young boys.
“Firefighters immediately launched a search operation at the hilltop area and along the river.
“Based on information provided by members of the public, all three victims were located floating in the river midway down the hill before being recovered by the rescue team,” he said.
The victims were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies were handed over to the police for further action.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation. - July 17, 2026
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