KULIM, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Safety measures along open drains in Taman Desa Kayangan, Sungai Karangan near here, must be upgraded immediately after a tragedy claimed the lives of four children on Monday.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the area around the residential housing has an open drainage system and requring fencing or iron grilles.
“Perhaps the task can be handed to a victim’s family in Kampung Baru Gajah Merangkak, who is a blacksmith, to carry out the installation work,” he told reporters after visiting the victims' families here today.
During the visit, Saifuddin Nasution presented welfare contributions to the victims' families. He had earlier visited the scene of the tragedy.
He added that the residents' association is also ready to take steps to enhance safety in the housing area.
“If the association needs support or cooperation on safety, they can inform us so we can help improve the residential environment's safety,” he said.
Taman Desa Kayangan Residents' Committee chairman Mohd Hafiz Jaafar said they will immediately submit an application to enhance safety measures at the housing area following the minister’s recommendation.
“The area around the playground is large, but its boundary is too close to the drain, making it dangerous for children,” he said.
The proposal was supported by Mohd Ashrofudin Ramdzon, 41, father of two children who died in the tragedy, who said immediate action must be taken to prevent a recurrence.
“The area around my house is often a gathering point for children because it is near the playground. If safety measures improve, we can prevent similar incidents,” he said.
In the incident on Monday, four children, Muhamad Aeril Aziz Muhamad Zafis, 12 and his stepbrother Muhammad Arif Naufan Abdullah, 8; Muhammad Zafril Arsyad Muhamad Azrin, 12, as well as Muhammad Iman Nuruddin Khairol Anuar, 10, died after falling into a drain while attempting to retrieve a ball.
-- BERNAMA