KOTA KINABALU: The tragic drowning of two seven-year-olds in an unfenced fish pond has served as a sobering reminder for Kiulu villagers to prioritise safety.
Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has urged local leaders to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents, emphasising the need for vigilance and safety precautions.
“This tragedy must be a wake-up call for stronger safety measures to protect our communities,” he said during a visit to the grieving families on Monday (Nov 25).
The victims, Frederica Mousi and Ernesty Joannes, both Year One pupils at SK Rungus Nahaba, are believed to have wandered to the fish pond near their homes on Sunday (Nov 24) afternoon.
Family members launched a search when they realised the girls were missing, tragically discovering their bodies in the pond around 4pm.
Bangkuai extended his heartfelt condolences to Frederica’s parents, Mousin Kolinang and Muliana Tungki, and Ernesty’s parents, Joannes Kopitan and Suzie Lydia.
He called for safety measures to be implemented in all aspects of daily life, including fencing off hazardous areas like ponds, rivers, and other public spaces.
In urging pond owners to secure their properties, Bangkuai also highlighted the importance of supervising children and ensuring they are not left unattended in dangerous locations.
As Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Bangkuai stressed that safety initiatives must protect both villagers and visitors, especially as Kiulu’s reputation relies on its safe and welcoming environment for river and nature-based activities.
He appealed to the Kiulu Sub-District Office and the People Development Leader Unit (UPPM) to work with Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) and village chiefs to identify hazards, promote safety awareness, and implement preventive measures.
“Protecting both villagers and visitors is a shared responsibility that we must not overlook,” he added.
