Kelantan fire dept helps train students swimming
Its director highlighted the alarming rise in drowning cases in the state, with five fatalities recorded in January alone, compared to 28 in 2023.
KOTA BHARU - The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has partnered with the State Education Department (JPN) to promote water safety and teach basic swimming skills to students.
Kelantan JBPM director, Farhan Sufyan Borhan said the initiative aims to prepare students, including school JBPM cadets, for water-related activities.
He highlighted the alarming rise in drowning cases in the state, with five fatalities recorded in January alone, compared to 28 in 2023.
"This programme will help students learn essential skills to save themselves in emergencies. We will also offer the training to the public periodically," he said.
Farhan Sufyan also noted that there are 21 drowning hotspots in Kelantan, with Bachok district recording the highest number of fatalities last month.
The department also plans to increase patrols by water rescue teams at popular recreational areas, he added.
In addition, he revealed that about 10 per cent of the 673 JBPM personnel in Kelantan face overweight issues, with efforts being made to improve the fitness through training programmes.
He said that despite handling minor calls such as requests for water to be poured into cones to block roads, freeing a person from trapped chairs or putting out burning slippers, the department continues to serve the community with dedication. - BERNAMA
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