{
  "id": 19479310,
  "title": "Dept wants water release from dam suspended as search for victims goes on",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/dept-wants-water-release-from-dam-suspended-as-search-for-victims",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T09:42:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/11/11/dept-wants-water-release-from-dam-suspended-as-search-for-victims-goes-on"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The fire and rescue department has requested that water releases from Sungai Selangor dam be halted while it continues its search for three missing individuals in Sungai Pertak, Kuala Kubu Bharu. Operations Director Abdul Razak Muda explained that suspending water releases would help keep the search area contained and prevent the search from becoming overly complicated by changing water currents. The search area spans approximately 3.5km from the incident site to the dam and has been divided into four sectors, with three sectors covering 1km each. Additionally, five drones have been deployed to aid in the search, particularly in areas that are difficult for rescue personnel to access. So far, 124 personnel from various agencies have been involved in the operation, which is expected to continue until 6pm, pending weather conditions. Further measures may be coordinated with the police if necessary. The incident occurred on Monday around 5.30pm when eight people, including one Malaysian and seven foreign nationals, were swept away by strong currents. Five victims, including Malaysian V Vijayan, 36, Nepali Kapali, 49, and Indian B Kunjanmalayil, 35, have been found deceased. The identities of the remaining two victims, an Indian and a Sri Lankan, are still under verification. The search continues for two Indian nationals and a Yemeni individual.",
  "summary": "Five bodies found, three still missing after water surge at Sungai Pertak, Kuala Kubu Bharu.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}