GOPENG: Three people are feared to have drowned while participating in a water rafting activity at a camping resort here this evening.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department director, Sayani Saidon, said two of the victims were pronounced dead by a medical officer, while another was found unconscious.
Sayani said that they received a distress call at 5.56pm, and a team of firefighters from Gopeng rushed to the scene.
"Upon arriving at the location, it was confirmed that three victims had drowned and were brought to the riverbank by members of the public.
"Two victims were found at Rock Garden - one, a man, was pronounced dead by the medical officer, while a female victim was found unconscious.
"Meanwhile, another victim, located at River Park Gopeng, was also pronounced dead by the medical officer. The operation chief instructed the team to administer CPR to the unconscious female victim, assisted by the medical officer," she said.
It is understood that the victims were participating in a team-building programme held at the location.
The group included 22 participants from the Public Works Department of Seberang Perai Tengah and Langkawi, along with six guides, who entered the river area at 3.30pm.
Sayani said that the rafting route spanned six kilometres along Sungai Jahang, and the location where the victims were believed to have been swept away by the current was about four kilometres into the journey.
"The victims were successfully located and brought to the designated endpoint of the activity," she said.