River recreation operators urged to monitor weather for safety

Operators of river recreation centers must maintain a keen awareness of changing weather patterns and consistently prioritize safety protocols before initiating any activities. This vigilance is crucial to avert undesirable incidents, including the significant risk posed by flash floods.

Najib Alias, manager of Belukar Bukit Kayak Adventure Park in Hulu Terengganu, explained that the park has distinct areas: an open recreational zone for the general public and an activity zone managed by operators Jenoba Outdoor and the JPKK Betong village development committee. While the open area is suitable for relaxed activities like picnics and swimming due to its safe water depth, the operator-managed zone requires visitors to attend a safety briefing before participating in any activity.

“

We also installed safety ropes in the deep water areas as a safety boundary, along with warning signs and mandatory life jackets for participants.

To enhance safety, the park has installed warning signs and safety ropes in deeper water sections, serving as boundaries. Participants are also mandated to wear life jackets. According to Najib, the upper section of the recreation area features a dam that acts as a buffer during heavy rainfall. Water level increases typically occur gradually, not abruptly. However, immediate action will be taken to evacuate visitors if significant changes are observed.

He noted that outside the monsoon season, water levels rise by only about one meter over three hours, even with heavy rain. Najib emphasized that operators cannot afford to be complacent about safety, as weather can shift unexpectedly. "Operators must always be sensitive to weather forecasts and be ready to stop activities if conditions are unsafe," he stated.

“

Operators must always be sensitive to weather forecasts and be ready to stop activities if conditions are unsafe.