100 vehicles, 80 houses swept away by currents

About 80 houses on the fringes of the Bertam river, near Cameron Highlands, were swept away by strong currents after water was released from the Sultan Abu Bakar dam in Ringlet early this morning.

Two foreign nationals were found drowned in the tragedy, while another is still missing.

Cameron Highlands district police chief Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said the victims were identified as Bangladeshi Jahangir, in his 30s, and an Indonesian woman, Kesmat, 46.

He said the dam water in Ringlet had to be released to prevent the dam from bursting following continuous rain since 7pm yesterday.

"The search for a 17-year-old Indonesia girl is ongoing," Zahari said when contacted today.

Later, Mohd Zahari said Tan Tuck Choi, 51, suffered a heart attack and died en route to the Sultanah Kalsom Hospital in Cameron Highlands.

His death brings to three the number of those who perished in the flood.

He said local resident Ho Kim Way, 38, who sustained head and body injuries was warded at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Pahang’s Zone Three Fire and Rescue Department’s Deputy Superintendent Yusmaizi Zulkifli said the normal water level at the dam was 3.498 metres.

He said the water was released when its level touched 3.508 metres.

Zahari said about 100 vehicles were also badly damaged in the incident.

"The first release of water at the dam was made at midnight, followed by another at 1am and the third at 2.45am, causing water in the Bertam River nearby to suddenly overflow its banks," he said.

According to Zahari, 20 families in the area were evacuated to the Ringlet community hall.

"The bodies of the two victims were sent to Sultanah Kalsom Hospital in Tanah Rata," he said.

Zahari said following information received on the flooding, a search and rescue operation was carried out as early as 7.30am today, with 243 rescue personnel involved in the operation.

A Bernama survey found the weather to be sunny until this afternoon but a drizzle occurred in the evening.

Cameron Highlands Member of Parliament G Palanivel also visited the scene of the incident and announced aid for the victims.

- Bernama