KOTA BARU: The state government has voiced its concern over the death of six people and another one still missing due to drowning in this northeast monsoon season.
Calling on parents to give extra attention to their children, Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the drastic increase of drowning cases also worried the state government.
He said since the first wave of floods which hit Kelantan from Nov 19 until Sunday (Dec 24), floods has claimed six victims while another was still missing.
He said a majority of the victims were children and teenagers and most of the cases happened in Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas areas.
"We hope that parents will pay more attention to their children and if possible, do not let them plays with floodwaters.
"So far, six people have drowned and an 11-year-old girl still missing.
"This worries us as the number of those drowned are much higher compared to the previous flood season.
"Therefore, the state government hopes that the relevant authorities will make more announcement on the danger of playing with floodwaters to the public especially those living in the flooded areas," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the 'Warisan Dikir Barat Nusantara' programme here last night.
Also present was state Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor.
Fadzli said rescue agencies such as the police and the fire and rescue department would monitor the situation at the flooded areas closely.
Meanwhile, regarding the event, Kamarudin said it involved dikir barat teams from Kelantan, Thailand and Singapore.
"The programme is part of the event listed for the Visit Kelantan Year (VKY) 2024. The state government has agreed to use the 3F (Food, Family and Festival) concept for VKY," he added.