Saarani Conducts Aerial Survey Of 15 Disaster Hotspots In Perak

IPOH, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad today conducted an aerial survey of 15 hotspot locations identified as high-risk disaster areas in the state.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said the surveillance covered areas in Kinta, Changkat Jering and Kinta Kampar, which face risks of floods and water surges, as well as Bukit Merah, which is prone to forest fires and drought.

The statement added that Saarani also carried out aerial monitoring over the Menora Tunnel along the PLUS Expressway, identified as an accident-prone area, and Lenggong, which has a high potential for landslides.

According to JBPM, the aerial operation was conducted using the department’s AW189 aircraft from the Air Division, departing from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh, and lasted about two hours.

“The areas included Kinta, covering Ulu Chepor Recreational Park, Kledang Sayung and the PLUS Expressway, while in Changkat Jering, the locations were Kampung Bendang Siam and the Bukit Jana Waterfall,” the statement said.

“For Bukit Merah, the monitoring included Gunung Semanggol and Tasek Bukit Merah, while in Lenggong, it covered Kuak Hill Resort and Dataran Tasek Raban, and in Kinta Kampar, the areas around Sungai Siput and Gopeng,” the statement added.

The inspection was joined by JBPM Air Division director Datuk Norazam Khamis, Perak State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, and Perak JBPM deputy director Yusri Mohd Yusoff @ Hashim.

Meanwhile, Perak JBPM said a total of 332 locations across the state had been identified as flood-prone hotspots, with Kuala Kangsar recording the highest number of locations at 76, followed by Kinta and Kerian with 59 each, and Larut, Matang and Selama (LMS) with 57.

For landslide-prone areas, Kinta recorded 14 locations, followed by Hulu Perak (eight), LMS (six), Kuala Kangsar (four), Kampar (three), and Muallim and Batang Padang with one each.

As for areas prone to water surges, Kinta recorded eight locations, followed by LMS (four), and Hulu Perak, Kampar and Kuala Kangsar with three each.

For areas at risk of forest fires, Kerian recorded seven locations, followed by Hulu Perak (five), Perak Tengah, Manjung and LMS with two each, and Bagan Datuk, Kuala Kangsar and Kinta with one each.

Meanwhile, Saarani, in a statement on his Facebook page, said the state government took seriously the information provided by the Perak JBPM and would use it as the basis for early mitigation measures in collaboration with JBPM, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, the Public Works Department, district offices and other security agencies.

He said the state government would strengthen its synergy and integrated preparedness approach to ensure that the emergency response plan could be activated swiftly and effectively.

“I urge the people to remain cautious and alert to weather warnings, especially in areas near rivers, highlands and waterfall recreational sites.

“The public is advised to avoid activities in high-risk areas during heavy rain and to immediately report any early signs of incidents to the authorities,” he said.

Saarani said the state government would continue to improve the state disaster management plan, including risk mapping, early warning systems, and logistical support preparation to assist residents in high-risk areas.

-- BERNAMA