Gopeng water rafting tragedy: Police question 19 witnesses as investigation continues

KAMPAR, Nov 16 – Police have recorded statements of 19 persons in support of investigation into the drowning of three Public Works Department (JKR) officers during a rafting activity in Sungai Jahang, Gopeng here yesterday.

Kampar district police chief Supt Mohamad Nazri Daud said all those whose statements were recorded were among 22 participants in the team building program and representatives of water sports companies.

“We expect to call several more persons to complete the investigation,” he said when contacted here today.

Mohamad Nazri added that the bodies of the victims were claimed by their families early this morning at the Kampar Hospital Forensic Department.

“The post-mortem results showed that the cause of death of all victims was ‘asphyxia due to drowning’ and the case has been classified as sudden death,” he said.

Meanwhile, Perak Amanah Youth chief Khairol Najib Hashim urged the state government, the National Security Council and the Malaysian Meteorological Department to issue a ban and strict guidelines on water activities in all rivers in the state during the monsoon season.

“All parties, especially program organizers and recreational activity operators, should be more vigilant and wise in choosing activities based on the current situation.

“The safety and lives of participants must be the top priority. Water recreation operators must act responsibly by suspending all extreme activities until weather conditions return to normal,” he said.

Earlier today, the Kampar District Disaster Management Committee ordered an immediate suspension of all recreational and outdoor water sports activities involving rivers.

In the incident last night, three JKR officers drowned while rafting in Sungai Jahang. The victims are identified as Suhaili Mat Saad, 47, district engineer at Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang; Mohamad Khairul Hakim Hamidi, 37, senior assistant engineer at Langkawi JKR, Kedah; and Muhammad Ikram Abdul Bari, 29, customer service representative at Langkawi JKR.

The incident was believed to have been caused by persistent rain, which led to a sudden rise in water levels in the river, causing a boat carrying six passengers and a guide to capsize. – Bernama