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THE Pahang Fire and Rescue Department has urged parents and guardians not to allow children to play in floodwaters, citing ongoing dangers in flood-affected villages near the Pahang River.
The warning follows inspections by the department which found that some parents continue to permit children to wade and play in floodwaters, particularly in areas close to the river in Pekan.
Peramu Fire and Rescue Station chief Wan Samsul Effendi Wan Mahmud said parental negligence in allowing children to play in flooded areas without supervision could lead to tragic consequences.
During inspections of flood-hit areas on Wednesday, fire and rescue personnel came across a group of children playing in floodwaters near a house in Kampung Surau Ganghong.
“More shocking was the discovery of a child under the age of two also playing in the flooded area without adult supervision,” he said.
He stressed that parents must take greater responsibility in monitoring their children’s safety, as floodwaters have yet to fully recede, especially in villages located close to the Pahang River.
“Parents need to be more responsible in monitoring their children’s safety, as the floodwaters have yet to fully recede, especially in villages near the Pahang River,” he said.
Wan Samsul Effendi added that several villages near the river remain inundated, including Kampung Pulau Manis, Kampung Tanjung Pulai, Kampung Tebat and Kampung Ganchong.
Beyond the risk of drowning, he warned that flood conditions pose multiple hidden dangers.
“In floodwaters there may be sharp objects such as driftwood, nails and glass, in addition to the risk of threats from various venomous animals including snakes,” he said.
“Therefore, if parents allow children to play in floodwaters, they will be exposed to various risks,” he added.
The department reiterated that public cooperation, particularly from parents, is essential to prevent avoidable accidents as flood conditions continue in parts of Pahang. - December 23, 2025
