Kuala lumpur: The family of the three victims killed in the water surge phenomenon at Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Sedim here today had gathered to celebrate a child's birthday before the tragedy struck. Nur Atikah Abdullah, 28, her three-year-old cousin Muhammad Aariz Danial Md Radzi, and Muhammad Uzair Ahmadi Hussain, 12, were among 10 family members at the recreational area when the incident occurred at about 2 pm.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nur Atikah's younger brother, Nur Arif Shukri, 26, said the family had just finished lunch to celebrate the seventh birthday of her eldest daughter, Nur Atiya Sofiya Shazwan. "We had just finished eating when my sister told us she had spotted a water surge. Moments later, the current became very strong. At that time, eight of us were in the water," he told Bernama.

He recounted how quickly the incident unfolded, managing to pull his 12-year-old and five-year-old younger siblings close before being separated by the strong current. Public members rescued his two younger siblings, while Nur Arif survived by holding onto a tree branch before reaching the riverbank.

During the incident, he saw his sister on the riverbank and believed she had reached safety, only to find out later that she had also been swept away. Earlier, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) reported that the victims were believed to have been picnicking and swimming at the Tree Top Walk area at the foothill of Gunung Bintang when the water surge phenomenon struck.

JBPM stated that Muhammad Uzair was found about one kilometre from where the family had been picnicking, while Muhammad Aariz and Nur Atikah were found about 50 metres from the location where the first victim was recovered. The three victims were later confirmed dead, and the operation concluded at 5.04 pm after authorities confirmed no other victims were involved.