KOTA TINGGI: Johor aims to achieve zero deaths from drowning at water recreational areas during the upcoming northeast monsoon season, according to Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, the housing and local government committee chairman. The state intends to prevent the high number of drowning deaths that have occurred from 2021 until September of this year. From these dates, the Johor Fire and Rescue Department has recorded 276 water rescue cases, resulting in 110 deaths and 13 injuries. This number of deaths surpasses those caused by fires in the state. Therefore, the state hopes to achieve zero death cases in water recreational areas. Mohd Jafni uttered these intentions after the installation of Life Saving Appliances (LiSA) at Pantai Batu Layar.
In line with the zero-death target, the Fire and Rescue Department has placed three LiSA in Pantai Awam Desaru, Pantai Batu Layar, and the Gunung Ledang waterfall. LiSA is a rescue box equipped with a throw bag rope, a torpedo buoy, a life jacket, and a first aid kit. Members of the public can access these supplies by breaking the glass box storing the key in case of an emergency. The box is also equipped with a detection system that alerts the nearest fire station when opened. To further reduce drowning deaths, more LiSA installations are required. Two additional LiSA will likely be placed in Sedili and Tanjung Balau. However, a thorough survey of the areas is necessary before installation can begin.
Mohd Jafni mentioned that the department has identified seven drowning hotspots in Johor. These locations include Pantai Tanjung Balau, Pantai Tanjung Sedili, Pantai Jason Bay, and Pantai Tanjung Buloh in Kota Tinggi. Additional hotspots are Tasik Tiga Beradik in Bandar Seri Alam, Pasir Gudang, Gunung Ledang in Segamat, and Pantai Air Papan in Mersing. There are also 15 locations at risk of the water surge phenomenon, including waterfall areas in Kota Tinggi, Gunung Pelepah, Tengkil, Gunung Muntahak, and Sungai Lebak. Other locations mentioned are Buaya Sangkut in Endau, Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Bantang, Ayer Putih, Takah Melur, Takah Pengkol, Sungai Bantang Bekok in Segamat, Gunung Ledang National Park in Tangkak, Gunung Pulai in Kulai, and Sungai Yong and Gunung Belumut in Kluang. These places are typically closed during the monsoon season to avoid any unwanted incidents.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
