Kuala Lumpur: The rising number of drowning incidents has prompted calls for the government to provide basic swimming clinics, particularly for children from low-income families and rural communities.
Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau (Upko-Tuaran) raised the issue in the Dewan Rakyat, questioning whether the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) had any initiatives to address the problem.
“This concern was previously highlighted by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in a statement at the end of last year.
“Given the urgency of the matter, does KBS plan to introduce free basic swimming clinics across the country, particularly in Sabah, including Tuaran, to prevent further loss of lives?” he asked during a non-verbal question session.
In a written response, KBS stated that its National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) had launched the Sports Basic Training Skills Programme (KLAS) in 2023 in selected districts equipped with swimming pool facilities.
The ministry said the programme aims to reduce drowning cases, which frequently involve children and senior citizens.
“Additionally, this programme provides an opportunity for underprivileged B40 groups to learn proper and safe swimming techniques.
“In 2023, the KLAS Swimming programme was implemented at 144 locations, benefiting 6,847 participants. For 2024, it has expanded to 222 locations nationwide, targeting 8,880 participants,” KBS stated.
The ministry added that it remains committed to continuing the programme in Sabah in 2025, covering 19 locations, including 17 for B40 children, one for children with disabilities (OKU), and one for senior citizens.
“For the West Coast of Sabah, covering Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Penampang, Papar, Ranau, Putatan, and Tuaran, the programme will only be conducted in Kota Kinabalu due to limited access to swimming pool facilities in rural areas.
“Five sessions will be held in this region, focusing on B40 children,” the Ministry added.
Earlier this year, several drowning incidents in Sabah highlighted ongoing water safety concerns.
On February 9, a 16-year-old girl was swept away in Pirasan, Kota Belud, followed by a February 12 incident where a 15-year-old boy drowned at Pantai Shahbandar, Tuaran. On February 15, a 14-year-old boy in Sandakan went missing while prawn-catching and was found dead four days later.
Earlier, it was reported that JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad had expressed concern over the rising number of drowning cases, which reached 287 as of December 2024.
