SETIU: Six people were rescued after being trapped in a water surge at Lata Changkah in Hulu Seladang yesterday.
Acting Setiu district police chief Assistant Superintendent Burhanuddin Mustafa said three of them comprised family members, aged 7 to 30 years old, and the others were a group of friends aged 20 to 22 years old.
"No casualties were reported," he said when contacted today.
Siti Alia Aisha Mohd Afandi, 30, said the water surge incident occurred at 4.30pm.
She said she came with her family from Kota Baru for a picnic at Lata Changkah.
"Before the water surge, I was swimming in the river with my two sons, aged 2 and 7, as well as my younger sister.
"Suddenly I heard one of my family members across the river shouting and calling us to come out of the water."
Siti Alia Aisha said she saw other swimmers making their way to the riverbank.
"As I was attempting to cross the river, I saw debris being washed up and the water surge happened in the blink of an eye.
"My second child was rescued by a member of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force who happened to be at the scene," she said.
Siti Alia Aisha said, however, she and her eldest son, along with her sister, were carried away by the current for about 5m before they were rescued by the public.
"Thank God, we are all safe. I nearly drowned and my eldest son and sister managed to cling to a float before they were rescued by the public."