KUALA LUMPUR: Parents have been warned against letting their children play in floodwaters after a video of kids playing in a flooded street in Kota Baru, Kelantan, went viral.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said floodwaters posed serious health risks.
"Floodwater is highly pathogenic and can cause numerous health hazards, including potentially fatal diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, Hepatitis A, and leptospirosis," he told the New Straits Times.
"Contact with floodwater can also cause skin irritation, infections, and conjunctivitis, while wounds can get infected."
Kalwinder said children, like the elderly, expectant mothers, and those with comorbidities, were especially vulnerable.
"Floods can also increase the risk of harmful exposure to chemicals from industrial waste or agricultural fertilisers carried by floodwaters."
He said there was also the risk of injury from floodwater debris, slippery surfaces, and drowning.
"Those experiencing abdominal pain, gastrointestinal issues, fever, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea, dehydration, rashes, an infected wound or are generally feeling unwell after coming into contact with floodwater, should immediately seek medical attention."
He said those who have come into contact with floodwater should immediately clean themselves with soap and water.
Clothes contaminated by floodwater should be washed in hot water and detergent before they are used again.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said while it is understandable that children would be tempted to play in floodwaters, there were hidden risks.
He said he hoped that authorities would raise awareness of the dangers and risks associated with floodwaters to prevent children from playing in it.
Previously, social media users criticised families who let their children play in floodwaters, treating it like a "waterpark".