Lam Thye: Set up a department to prevent drowning

KUALA LUMPUR: A government department must be established to enforce and implement drowning-prevention measures, said National Water Activity Safety Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said the rise in drowning cases over the last several months was alarming, and showed a need for a department to look into the matter.

“In terms of road deaths, we have the Road Safety Department, as well as the police, the Road Transport Department and the Land Public Transport Commission to enforce laws.

“However, when it comes to drowning cases, we have none.

“What we have is the Water Activity Safety Council, which has limited power and is made up of representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organisations and academicians.

“A special department to oversee drowning cases would be able to plan, enforce and implement drowning-prevention measures,” he said yesterday.

Lee said on average, about 700 drowning cases were reported every year, averaging at two deaths daily.

“Unless something drastic is done, deaths due to drowning can become as serious as road accidents, which kill between 6,000 and 7,000 people every year.”

Lee said local authorities must take measures to prevent drowning, such as frequent audits of water-activity areas, ensuring adequate signage to warn the public of danger zones, as well as fencing up disused mining ponds.