A recreational trip at Sungai Sedim, Karangan ended in tragedy after three visitors died when they were swept away by a sudden surge of water this afternoon.
Five victims were believed to have been carried away by the strong current, with three of them confirmed dead while two others managed to survive.
Kulim Hi-Tech Fire and Rescue Station chief Assistant Fire Superintendent Mohammad Haiqal Izwan Nasir said the department received an emergency call at 2.27pm regarding the incident at Sedim Rainforest Resort.
He said the Fire Operations Control Centre received information through the MERS 999 emergency line about a sudden water surge at the waterfall area, with several victims reported to have been swept away by the strong current.
A team of firefighters was immediately dispatched to the location to carry out search and rescue efforts.
Mohammad Haiqal said upon arrival, firefighters were informed that an adult woman and two young boys were believed to have been swept away by the current near the hilltop area.
The rescue team then conducted monitoring at the suspected location where the victims went missing, while searches were expanded to nearby areas.
Based on information provided by members of the public, the three victims were later found floating in the middle section of the hill area.
Kulim district police chief Superintendent Syamsul Sinring said the incident was believed to have occurred after a sudden flash flood struck the area, while the emergency siren was reportedly malfunctioning.
He added that one of the survivors was a four-year-old boy.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the incident while rescue teams and relevant agencies remain focused on managing the situation and determining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
