Prioritise safety in villages

25 November 2024

KIULU : A tragic incident in Kampung Rungus Nahaba, where two girls drowned in an unfenced fish pond, has prompted Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai to call on community leaders to prioritise safety in their villages to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

Joniston stressed the importance of community leaders actively addressing potential safety risks and taking every incident seriously.

“We must treat this as wake-up calls for stronger safety measures to enhance safety in our communities," he said after visiting the grieving families on Monday.

The deceased are Frederica Mousi and Ernesty Joannes, both 7 years old and first-grade students at SK Rungus Nahaba.

On Sunday, November 24, the two girls, along with a friend, ventured into a fish pond located near their homes. When family members realised the girls had gone to the pond, a search was initiated, and their bodies were recovered around 4 pm.

Kiulu Assemblyman Joniston Bangkuai extended his heartfelt condolences to Frederica’s parents, Mousin Kolinang and Muliana Tungki, as well as to Ernesty’s parents, Joannes Kopitan and Suzie Lydia.

He emphasised that safety measures must address all aspects of daily life, including the need to secure potentially hazardous areas such as ponds, rivers, and other public spaces.

Joniston urged pond owners to install fences to prevent similar tragedies and stressed the importance of vigilant supervision of children to ensure they are not left unattended in dangerous environments.

As Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Joniston stressed that safety measures should also protect villagers and visitors.

Kiulu, known for its river and nature-based activities, relies on its reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.

Joniston urged the Kiulu Sub-District Office and the People Development Leader Unit (UPPM) to work closely with Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) and village chiefs to identify risks, promote safety awareness, and implement preventive measures within their communities.

“Protecting both villagers and visitors is a shared responsibility that must not be overlooked,” he added.