KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia saw a massive rise in the number of drownings in the country in 2011, with 303 being reported by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the country is looking at a number of new measures to help increase beach safety. NIOSH Chairman Lee Lam Thye said that it is imperative that the government establish new measures to help curtail the number of drownings and to create a safe beach environment in Malaysia. “Recently I met up with the President of the Life Saving Society of Malaysia to discuss the matter and I am pleased to note that the society has proposed the establishment of a National Water Safety Council to assist the government in reducing the incidence of drowning in Malaysia and promote a water safety culture,” Lee said in a statement. Lee said that relevant agencies and authorities have a role to promote water safety awareness in a holistic and comprehensive manner, to encourage and enhance swimming proficiency, ensure timely aid and quick response by civil defence, and also to determine appropriate water safety signage in places such as holiday resorts, hotel pools, waterfalls and disused mining ponds. Lee emphasized that raising public awareness through education campaigns on water safety, and safe practice during water activities were essential to minimize drownings. “Making safe decisions about water-related sports and other activities as well as to appropriately manage water-related hazards are among the prevention strategies that can be adopted,” he said.
