YAN: A total of 39 eco-resorts recreation areas in Kedah have been identified as risky locations for water surge phenomenon, with 11 of them listed as high-risk locations.
State Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM) deputy director, Mohd Muaz Mohd Yusoff said the 11 eco-resorts and recreation areas identified were located in Baling district.
"They are Kuala Kedua, Lata Bukit Hijau, Lata Celak Simpoi, Teratak Simpul, Ulu Legong Hotspring, Lubuk Badak, Sungai Pam, Lata Baling, Lubuk Pedati, Lata Nering and Lata Bayu," he told reporters after a site visit at Seri Perigi Waterfall here today.
Also present was Yan District Civil Defense Officer Muhammad Zul Izzi Zulkifli.
Muaz said that besides Baling, the other 28 water surge hotspot locations are located in nine other districts: Padang Terap, Langkawi, Pendang, Bandar Baharu, Kuala Muda, Sik, Yan, Kulim and Kubang Pasu.
"For Sik district, the five high-risk areas are Lata Mengkuang, Rimba Taqwa resort, Lata Charok Rambai, Lata Batu Hampar Hujung Bandar and Sungai Viral.
"Yan district also recorded the highest number with five locations, which include Titi Hayun, Seri Perigi Waterfall, Batu Hampar Waterfall, Sungai Badak Recreation Park and Sungai Bukit Kuari," he said.
Muaz said Sungai Sedim Recreation Camp, Ulu Paip Recreation Camp and Junjung Waterfall in Kulim were also identified as locations at risk of water surge.
For Langkawi, he said the water surge hotspots were Lubuk Semilang, Durian Perangin, Telaga Tujuh and Temurun Waterfall.
As for Kuala Muda district, the risky areas are Batu Pahat Waterfall, Damai Park Resort and Tapah Resort.
"For Kubang Pasu district, Bukit Wang and Sungai Batu are identified as risky areas for water surge incident, followed by Puncak Janing and Sungai Seraya Waterfall in Padang Terap; Bukit Perak Recreation Forest in Pendang and Batu Hampar Air Putih in Bandar Baharu," he said.
Muaz advised visitors to be alert on the early signs of water surge phenomenon, such as water turning murkier with stronger currents than usual.
"The other early signs are the roaring of a torrent from the top of a hill or mountain, along with debris appearing on the surface of the water, as well as sudden large quantities of water," he said.
He also advised visitors to take preliminary safety measures by notifying the nearest police station on any activity and movements at the said locations.
"Always be aware of the weather situation at the destination, ensure that the tent site is set up on a safe and high ground, detect water changes and immediately leave the area in the event of heavy rainfall," he said.
Muaz added that while the agency was not prohibiting the public from visiting the recreation areas, they are reminded to be more sensitive and careful.
