SHAH ALAM – Three rivers in Kuala Kubu Baru, Hulu Selangor have been identified as areas with frequent reports of drowning and water surges from 2020 to 2022.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis said the areas are Sg Batang Kali, Sg Chiling and Sg Pertak which happen to be popular picnic spots.
“Generally, all rivers and rapids have the risk of water surge or drowning incidents but they are only categorised as hotspots if more than one incident had occurred there,” he said.
Based on statistics, he said there were 15 deaths from drowning and six cases of people being trapped by water surges reported in the state involving 10 recreational areas at rivers, waterfalls and forests.
From the total, he said Sg Batang Kali has the highest incidents of drowning with five cases and four cases of people being trapped by water surge.
Therefore he advised the people to look out for signs of a water surge before proceeding with picnics or any recreational activities in the river.
“If trapped in a water surge, contact a rescue team or wait until the water surge has subsided and do not attempt to cross the river at that time,” he said. – Bernama, January 11, 2023
