The release of water via the spillway at the Sultan Abu Bakar Dam in Cameron Highlands early this morning followed fixed procedures, said Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

In a statement in Kuala Lumpur, TNB said controlled release of water was done to prevent flooding in the entire Bertam Valley.  

Heavy rain overnight and flash flooding around Ringlet caused an oveflow of water into the dam resulting in the water level exceeding the permitted maximum threshold, the statement said.

It added that TNB took all needed steps including liaising with the security authorities, local authority and the head of Bertam Valley’s village security and development committee (JKKK) before the controlled release of water was undertaken.

About 80 houses downstream were damaged as a result of the sudden rush of water from the dam in the 1am incident.

The incident also claimed the lives of two foreign workers and a local, while one other person is still reported missing.

- Bernama