A tragic white-water rafting incident on Sungai Kampar claimed the lives of three civil servants, who drowned after being swept away by a flash flood. The unfortunate event occurred yesterday during a team-building activity.
According to Sinar Harian, the victims were part of a larger group engaged in the activity near Kampung Pintu Padang. Eyewitnesses at the scene managed to pull the victims from different parts of the river. Despite the swift response of bystanders and emergency personnel, resuscitation efforts proved futile.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department Director Sayani Saidon confirmed that the victims’ bodies were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.
The victims were identified as Suhaili Mat Saad, 47, a district engineer with the Seberang Prai Tengah Public Works Department (JKR), along with Mohamad Khairul Hakim Hamidi, 37, and Muhammad Ikram Abdul Bari, 29, both serving with JKR Langkawi, Kedah.
Kampar district police chief Superintendent Mohamad Nazri Daud revealed that the tragic incident occurred at approximately 5:50 PM when the boat carrying the victims capsized. Preliminary investigations indicated that rough and choppy waters caused the accident. Seven individuals, including the three victims, were swept 800 meters downstream during the ordeal.
A total of 21 participants, including rafting guides and a photographer, were involved in the expedition. The team-building exercise, meant to foster camaraderie among the group, turned into a devastating tragedy due to the sudden change in river conditions.
Authorities have urged caution for those planning recreational activities along Sungai Kampar, especially during periods of unpredictable weather. Superintendent Mohamad Nazri emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
The loss of the three civil servants has left a void in their respective departments, with colleagues mourning the untimely demise of their dedicated team members. Suhaili Mat Saad was recognized for his contributions to the Seberang Prai Tengah JKR, while Mohamad Khairul and Muhammad Ikram were valued members of JKR Langkawi.
This incident has reignited discussions about the safety measures in place for adventure sports, particularly in rivers prone to sudden flash floods. Experts have called for better monitoring systems and enhanced training for guides and participants to minimize risks associated with such activities.
The families of the deceased are now grappling with their tragic loss, and authorities have assured them of full support during this challenging time. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any additional factors contributed to the tragedy.
This heartbreaking event serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with water-based activities, especially in natural settings where conditions can change rapidly. As rescue teams and local authorities work to bring closure to the incident, safety awareness and preventive measures remain crucial to avoiding similar tragedies in the future.
Source: Three Civil Servants Drown During White-Water Rafting Incident in Gopeng - Malay Mail
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