Public are reminded that some areas are high risk due to the monsoon season

The public, especially those who enjoy recreational activities and extreme sports, are once again advised not to go to high-risk areas during the monsoon season.

Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad asserted that although the matter has been voiced repeatedly, there are still activities in such areas.

“Everyone knows that in Malaysia the monsoon season has started. So the rain is unpredictable and it should be remembered that when it rains it will involve heavy rainwater.

“At certain times it is too heavy, and for a long time. So for some of these places, the water will easily rise and stagnate and those who are in certain places will easily get trapped.

“Not only in Tempurung Cave, it includes people who are interested in going fishing in the upper river or waterfalls … they have to remember this for their own safety.

“Because we have said many times, the public should know that in certain circumstances it is not safe to be in certain areas. I know many people are interested in ‘hiking’, but this is not the season,” he said.

Saarani said this in commenting on the incident of 30 individuals trapped in Tempurung Cave near Kampung Sahom, Gopeng yesterday after the exit route was flooded due to heavy rain.

He said this in a press conference after witnessing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ipoh City Council (MBI) and YTL Communications Sdn. Bhd. on Thursday.

Yesterday, the media reported that in the incident at around 4pm, the people trapped were part of a production crew from Singapore who were filming in the area.

Perak Police Chief, Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said, the incident occurred due to the sudden rise of water in the passage of the cave, which was caused by continuous heavy rain.

All the victims were locals and the Singaporeans were rescued by the rescue team.

by Rosli Mansor