KUALA LUMPUR: Overconfidence in their own safety and the belief that tragedy will not befall them are among the reasons some people continue to risk camping and swimming in rivers during the rainy season.
Universiti Putra Malaysia environmental governance expert Associate Professor Dr Haliza Abdul Rahman said low risk perception, or optimism bias, could lead visitors to be lulled into a false sense of security by clear skies, clear water and seemingly calm river currents at recreational areas.
"They fail to realise that heavy rain upstream can cause water levels downstream to rise suddenly, even when the weather at the recreational area shows no signs of change.
"Many underestimate the risks because they believe misfortune happens only to others and that tragedy will not strike them or their families," she said when contacted.
