Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian announced that Sarawak will intensify its supervision of public water bodies after the recent drowning at an abandoned pond in Sibu Jaya. Upon visiting the victims’ families, he voiced deep sorrow over the loss of three teenagers who vanished after entering the pond on June 23.
Dr Sim noted that the pond was formed inadvertently during land development and remained unfenced and without warning signs. “We must avoid further tragedies,” he stated, adding that the state government will conduct a thorough appraisal of safety measures surrounding all unused quarries, ponds and lakes it oversees. Proposed actions include installing robust boundary fences, clear warning signs in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, enhanced lighting for nighttime visibility, and routine checks by local enforcement bodies.
He also mentioned that municipal councils will be directed to perform risk evaluations on every water body in their jurisdictions, with emphasis on locations adjacent to residential zones or educational institutions. Once dangers are spotted, prompt actions will follow to reinforce barriers, drain excess water, or convert the sites into safer leisure spaces.
Beyond structural measures, Dr Sim explained that the state will collaborate with the Education and Health ministries to enhance public awareness of water safety, targeting children and young people in particular. “Education is crucial,” he stressed. “We urge parents, educators and community figures to caution youths about the risks of being near deep, unsupervised water.” He also mentioned that social welfare officers and village chiefs will be mobilised to carry the message into rural communities.
At the end of his visit, Dr Sim extended condolences to the grieving families and vowed that Sarawak’s authorities will take all necessary steps to prevent similar tragedies. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families,” he said. “This heartbreaking incident should motivate us to bolster safety for all.”
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