Eight missing, nine stranded in Sungai Pertak water surge

KUALA LUMPUR: Eight people remain missing after being swept away by strong currents, while nine others are stranded in three separate incidents following a water surge at Sungai Pertak in Kuala Kubu Baru this evening.

The incidents involved three separate groups.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the eight missing comprised one member of a group of Yemeni and locals, and seven members of a group of 11 locals.

"For the first group, one person was swept away and has yet to be found. Upstream, there were about 11 people.

"Of these, seven were in the water and were swept away by the currents," he told Bernama.

The nine stranded people comprised four who had yet to cross the river and another five from a separate group stranded on the opposite bank.

Ashrul Riezal said the department received a distress call about 5.55pm and arrived at the scene at 6.30pm.

"We also received a call from the Orang Asli, who had led the group. The search is still ongoing.

"We have set up an incident command post to monitor water conditions and the surrounding areas, and locate victims who may be stranded at various locations," he added.