ALOR STAR: Warning signages should be put up at all recreational centres to prevent from untoward incidents.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said warning signs were crucial to caution visitors especially tourists to take appropriate safety measures while carrying out their activities at these recreational areas.
"We would never know when a dangerous situation such as a water column could occur hence the notice of caution would be useful to help alert the tourists.
"Some of them might be unaware of the potential risks that could occur, or had taken place in the area," he said in a press conference after launching the 'My Beautiful Neighbourhood' programme at Flat Seri Gemilang here today.
He said this when commenting on the water column tragedy at Lubuk Semilang Langkawi which claimed the lives of four children aged between five and 12 on Thursday.
At the same time,Bashah also said tour agents should also play their role to minimise the risks of accidents at tourist attractions by explaining them to their tour groups.
"Apart from that, parents should be alert about the safety of their children at all times especially while picnicking. Let us take the tragedy that befell the children as a lesson," he said, expressing his heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims.
On the second wave of floods that are expected to hit the state, Bashah said he will discuss with the relevant agencies to increase the number of water catchment areas in the state as short term solution for the problem.
He will also discuss with the Irrigation and Drainage department to deepen the river and drains to smoothen the flow of rainfall into the water catchments.
"We will look into this matter and allocate a sum of money for the purpose," he said.
The flood situation at several locations in Kota Setar district has returned to normal and all flood evacuees who sought refuge at flood relief centres since Wednesday have returned to their homes today.