SLIM RIVER: Vistors to the Risda Eco Park, Kampung Ulu Slim recall a water surge incident resulting in them being trapped inside the park after a flash flood caused by a dam breakage on Friday evening.
Syis Abdul Kadir, 35, who was trapped with his wife and two children for the last 17 hours while waiting to be rescued, said that the incident has deeply affected them.
The teacher said strong currents with mud and wood, as well as large trees headed toward the location where they were staying.
"We are from Sabak Bernam and arrived here at 3pm and the river was very clear. So, I started setting up the tent by 6pm.
"However, about 6.30 pm, the water turned muddy and then the area we were in was flooded, forcing us to run to the hall as it was located on higher ground," he said after being rescued by the Perak Fire and Rescue Department at the Eco Risda Park on Saturday (Aug 24).
He added that in an effort to save himself and his family, he initially ran behind the stage (astaka) to call on the azan, but suddenly, a strong current rushed a large tree towards the family.
"Thank god, we managed to save ourselves," he said.
Meanwhile, another victim, an associate Professor from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuantan, Dr. Ibrahim Abu Bakar, said this was the second time he and his family had camped at Risda Eco Park.
"We had planned this family day here for almost a year and even checked the weather forecast, but it was all God's will, and we were tested in this way.
"During the rescue mission by the authorities, strong currents and hitting rocks caused me to nearly drown twice. I thought I could handle it as I'm used to abseiling, but I don’t know how I faced drowning twice, maybe because my feet hit the rocks," he said.
"Alhamdulillah, with the expertise of the rescue team, I was safely brought across and reunited with my family.
"Hopefully, we will learn from this, and God (Allah) has kept us safe. God-willing (InsyaAllah) we are determined to continue living well and taking care of our family," he added.
Meanwhile, another victim Muhammad Aiman Daniel Yaman,16, who was trapped along the Kg Sungai Muda said that he is thankful to the authorities for saving his life.
"I came to work at my friend's farm nearby here.
"Both me and my friend suddenly heard a loud noise and to our surprise, we found that water had been gushing out near us," he said.
"I feel relieved after being rescued from the water surge," he said.
The Perak Fire and Rescue Department reported that a total of 21 individuals who were stranded at the Risda Eco Park in Ulu Slim have been rescued as of 12pm, on Saturday (Aug 24).
Its director Sayani Saidon said that 19 visitors and two staff were rescued.
