Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has initiated the distribution of 150 community boats, with a total value of RM1.8 million, across the nation. This effort is aimed at facilitating and hastening the rescue operations for flood victims during the initial stages.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu announced that the phased handover of these boats to eligible recipients commenced today. The recipients identified include the Community and Volunteer Fire Brigade, Rukun Tetangga groups, Village Development and Security Committee, as well as the Federal Village Development and Security Committee, along with stations that handle a significant number of flood rescue operations.
The procurement of the new boats and accessories for community rescue is part of the allocation under the 2023 Third Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). This initiative is designed to assist in the efficient relocation of local communities to safe areas during floods, as stated by Aiman Athirah during the Water Activity Safety Campaign, held in conjunction with World Drowning Prevention Day. The event was also attended by JBPM director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.
Aiman Athirah highlighted that Malaysia has recorded an average of 1,359 drowning deaths from 2020 to 2024, with an annual average of 272 fatalities. She noted that drowning fatalities are significantly higher than those caused by fires. The age groups at highest risk are between 20 to 39 and 7 to 19, which account for 36 percent and 30 percent of drowning deaths, respectively.
In response to these statistics, Aiman Athirah emphasized the need for appropriate prevention programmes and policy planning involving multiple sectors to mitigate the risk of drowning incidents. She advocated for the expansion of continuous efforts, such as today’s campaign, to not only tourist areas but also to villages and rural areas near natural water resources, including rivers and lakes.
Nor Hisham added that the JBPM consistently undertakes proactive measures to monitor hotspots prone to drowning incidents. He stressed the importance of public awareness programmes, particularly targeting the younger generation. He also noted a shift in drowning cases, which now tend to increase during long holiday seasons as more people visit recreational areas, rather than being predominantly linked to the northeast monsoon season.