Set up commission of inquiry over Bomba drowning tragedy — Lee Lam Thye
SIBU: A commission of inquiry should be set up to investigate the exact cause of the drowning of six personnel of the Fire and Rescue Department ( Bomba) to prevent similar tragedies in future.
National Water Activity Safety Council ( WASC) member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said he was saddened by the deaths of the Bomba divers who were on a rescue mission for a teenager who fell into a disused mining pond in Taman Putra Perdana, Puchong on Wednesday.
“I hope that an independent and thorough investigation could be carried out so that we can know the exact cause of the incident and prevent such occurrences in future.
“This is necessary to end all kinds of speculation. For this purpose, a Commission of Inquiry should be set up,” he said in a press release yesterday.
He added there are standard operating procedures ( SOP) to be followed in all search- andrescue ( SAR) operations and those involved must take into account various possibilities that could happen in a body of water, especially during or after heavy rainfall where strong currents and whirlpools could occur.
“It was reported that the incident was the first tragedy involving divers of the Fire and Rescue Department’s Water Rescue Unit ( PPDA). It is hard to accept such a tragedy considering that the deceased were trained for that purpose.”
Lee pointed out that the investigation panel should also check how the initial victim, a 17-year- old youth, drowned and whether there were barriers or signages on the danger of activities at the disused pond.
All those in control of water bodies on their land including private landowners should be responsible for providing adequate warning signages and barriers to inform the public of the dangers of the water bodies, he said.
He said Selangor has one of the highest drowning rates among states in the country – mostly in inland water bodies – and called on all local authorities and state governments to take extra precaution to prevent such cases.
“Since we are now entering the monsoon season, more areas throughout the country will be filled with water and pose danger to the public, and extra caution should be taken during such times.”
Adding on, Lee said drowning deaths can be prevented if all agencies and local authorities are proactive and not wait until a tragedy occurs before taking action.
He said in many instances, local authorities will only take action when they are directed by the state or federal government to do so following a tragedy.
“They should adopt uniform water safety signages developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation known as ISO 20712-1: 2008.
“They should also provide lifeguards for all beaches and plan for quick response by the Civil Defence Force, Bomba, police and other relevant authorities in the event of emergencies.
“The government should also make it mandatory for the local authorities to place personal floatation devices ( PFDs) at highrisk locations for emergencies and also on recreational vessels.”
He said parents and adults must exercise greater control and supervision over their children who are involved in all forms of water activities.
“I would also like to express my condolences to all the family members while at the same time thankthosewhohavehelpedretrieve the bodies of the victims.”