Photo: Bernama
IPOH: Discussions with local authorities to increase water-safety infrastructure and awareness at recreational sites in Perak will be held soon, says Sayani Saidon (pic).
According to the newly appointed Perak Fire and Rescue Department chief, the discussions will also include operators of tourist spots in the state.
“Last year, there were 15 drowning cases in the state and this year, we already have six cases. Three deaths due to drowning were reported in June alone.
“Based on the statistics, the cases often occur during school holidays or long weekends, at tourist spots and recreational sites,” she told reporters after attending the Perak Fire and Rescue Department monthly gathering at its headquarters in Meru here Wednesday (June 21).
Sayani said the meeting will be centered on raising awareness as well as conducting spot checks at the sites.
“I have instructed all our station chiefs to locate the hotspots and monitor the said areas.
“Besides having discussions with local authorities and tourism operators, we also hope visitors will conduct research on tourist sites before going there.
“It is important for everyone to be responsible for this matter,” she said.
Separately, Sayani said there has been a decreasing number of open fires reported in the state.
“Until June, a total of 296 open fire cases were reported where 223 cases were in bushes, 50 cases involved garbage, 14 cases were reported in the forests, while the remaining fires were at agricultural sites.
“Most of the cases were reported by the Pasir Puteh station, followed by Sitiawan and Seri Manjung,” she said.
On June 6, an eight-year-old boy from Sarawak was found drowned at Teratak River View Lubuk Gelap, Simpang 4, Tanjung Malim.
He was reported missing while playing in the waters at about 5pm on June 3.
