Visitors to Risda Ecological Park Recall Incident of Rising Waters

SLIM RIVER: Visitors to Risda Ecological Park in Kampung Ulu Slim recall an incident of rising waters that trapped them inside the park after a flash flood caused by a dam burst on Friday night.

Syis Abdul Kadir, 35, who has been stranded with his wife and two children for the past 17 hours waiting to be rescued, said the incident had deeply affected them.

The professor said that strong currents with mud and wood, as well as large trees were heading towards 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 at 6pm.

“However, at around 6.30pm, the water turned muddy and the area we were in was flooded, forcing us to run towards the venue as it was located on higher ground,” he said after being rescued by the Perak Fire and Rescue Department at Eco Risda Park on Saturday (Aug 24).

He added that in an effort to save himself and his family, he first ran behind the stage (astaka) to call 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 at 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 been planning this family day here for almost a year and had even checked the weather forecast, but it was all God’s will, and we were tested this way.

“During the rescue mission by the authorities, the strong currents and the blows against the rocks almost drowned me twice. I thought I could do it because I am used to rappelling, but I don’t know how I was able to cope with drowning twice, perhaps because my feet hit the rocks,” he said.

“Alhamdulillah, thanks to the expertise of the rescue team, I was able to cross the river safely and reunite with my family.

“I hope we learn from this and that 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 stuck along the Kg Sungai Muda, said he was grateful to the authorities for saving his life.

“I came to work on my friend’s farm, near here.

“My friend and I suddenly heard a loud noise and to our surprise we found water gushing near us,” he said.

“I feel relieved after being rescued from the rising waters,” he said.

The Perak Fire and Rescue Department reported that a total of 21 people stranded at Risda Eco Park in Ulu Slim were rescued as of 12pm on Saturday (Aug 24).

Its director Sayani Saidon said 19 visitors and two staff members were rescued.