THE public has been advised to temporarily postpone leisure activities in recreational areas, such as waterfalls and rivers, that are at risk of a water surge phenomenon occurring.

Terengganu police chief Rohaimi Md Isa said water surge is an unpredictable phenomenon, and the signs before the occurrence are difficult to identify, especially for those with less experience.

“We hope that the local community can avoid visiting recreation places such as waterfalls and rivers,” he said.

“It is not that we shut these places down, but the water surge is an unpredictable situation because it can happen in a distant place and the signs are slow to show, and if it happens, it has a huge impact.”

Rohaimi said this to reporters after officiating at the Innovative and Creative Group’s Innovation Product (Amphibia Qber II) of the Hulu Terengganu district police headquarters in Pengkalan Lawit, Tasik Kenyir near Kuala Berang today.

Yesterday, 32 individuals, including 13 children, were rescued after being trapped in a water surge incident at Lata Ulu Kasar, Sungai Tong in Setiu. 

Setiu district police chief Afandi Hussin said in the 5.30pm incident, the phenomenon hit the recreation area where visitors were bathing and camping. Six cars parked nearby were also affected.

Rohaimi called on district councils and related parties to carry out enforcement and put up water surge warning signs as well as inform the public in the event an area requires to be cordoned off.

“We also suggest to certain parties to install emergency sirens so that the public can be alerted early about the occurrence of water surge, compared with the current warning sirens, which are more used for areas at risk of flooding,” he said. – Bernama, September 3, 2022.