12 places identified as drowning 'hotspots'

PUTRAJAYA: The Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry have identified 12 hotspot locations nationwide as "high risk" areas due to the high number of drowning incidents involving more than five victims.
Its minister Tan Sri Noh Omar (pix) said based on the data derived from the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) alone, 327 cases of drowning were recorded, last year compared to only 260 cases in 2016.
"The first two months of this year alone saw 65 cases of drowning recorded making the situation very alarming for the government.
"According to JBPM records, 42 incidents have been recorded at riverside or water keys, 11 along the beach, eight at waterfalls and four occurring at lakes or mining pools," he told reporters after chairing the Water Activities Safety Council meeting at the ministry, here, today.
Among the high risk areas identified by the ministry include:
>> Sungai Kg Batu Payung, Tawau, Sabah – 15 deaths
>> Sungai SKC Kg Timah, Selangor – 7 deaths
>> Sungai Kg Sabak, Pengkelan Chepa, Kelantan – 6 deaths
>> Sungai Chiling, Selangor – 6 deaths
>> Sungai Gasi, Selangor – 5 deaths
>> Sungai Sendat waterfalls - 12 deaths
>> Lata Berembun waterfalls, Raub, Pahang – 10 deaths
>> Chamang waterfalls, Pahang – 5 deaths
>> Pantai Nipah, Kelantan – 14 deaths
>> Muara Tok Bali beach, Kelantan – 7 deaths
>>Teluk Bahang beach, Penang – 7 deaths
>> Semenyih Dam, Selangor – 10 deaths
* Cases of drowning since 2016 by JBPM
As such, Noh said an action plan to prevent increase drowning instances has been prepared and approved during the meeting.
Among the proposal contained in the action plan, he said include the proposal to implement bylaws to fine those who are caught swimming at "high risk" areas; guidelines; setting up of warning signs and safety facilities and awareness campaigns.
He said in the meantime, the ministry will implement "quick win" measures immediately in an effort to address the issue the soonest.
"We will be identifying all red zones and make public announcements on the area as a precautionary measure to take when one is within the area.
"The local governments will also be tasked to ensure security measures are at hand by putting life guards at high risk water bodies," he added.