KOTA TINGGI: The Johor government will install more lifesaving appliances (LiSA) during the coming monsoon season to reduce deaths by drowning.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor (pic) said the state Fire and Rescue Department had received 276 water rescue reports from 2021 until September this year, with 110 fatalities recorded.
“This year, the department has placed three LiSAs in different locations: Pantai Awam Desaru, Pantai Batu Layar and Gunung Ledang waterfall.
“The number of drowning deaths is also higher compared to deaths caused by fire in the state,” he told reporters after the LiSA installation ceremony at Pantai Batu Layar here on Saturday (Oct 7).
Also present were Fire and Rescue Department national operations director Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman, and its Johor director Siti Rohani Nadir.
Mohd Jafni added that the department has also identified seven drowning hotspots in the state.
The areas are: Pantai Tanjung Balau, Pantai Tanjung Sedili, Pantai Jason Bay and Pantai Tanjung Buloh in Kota Tinggi; Tasik Tiga Beradik in Bandar Seri Alam; Pasir Gudang; Gunung Ledang in Segamat; and Pantai Air Papan in Mersing.