IPOH: The sudden surge of water and soil from a stream that swept away two hikers at Gunung Suku in Simpang Pulai on Sunday (May 15) is believed to be the result of heavy rainfall.

       Perak Forestry Department director Datuk Mohamed Zin Yusop said it had rained heavily prior to the pre-dawn incident.

       "We have also checked and found that no logging licence was issued in the area," he said in a statement on Monday (May 16).

       ALSO READ: Two hikers missing on Gunung Suku, search and rescue op underway

       "The hikers obtained permits from us to go there," he said, adding that the incident occurred at Compartment 115 of the hill, which is in the Bukit Kinta Forest Reserve.

       "We will also temporarily stop issuing any permits to enter the forest reserve due to the dangerous situation," he added.

       Two women, identified as See Su Yen, 32, from Cheras and Ng Yee Chew, 46, from Klang were reportedly swept away by the surge while hiking along a trail on the hill.

       They were part of a group of 29 hikers, the rest of whom made it safely back to the foot of the hill.

       ALSO READ: Gunung Suku water surge: Human body parts found, believed to be from missing hikers

       Members of a search and rescue operation found two body parts, believed to be from the victims, on Sunday evening and Monday morning.

       Mohamed Zin said the department will continue to assist the police and Fire and Rescue Department with the operation.