Ministry to hold free swimming classes for children from lower income group

By: Patrick Beech

In an effort to instil the importance of water safety among Malaysians, the Youth and Sports Ministry will implement swimming classes in selected states.

Its minister, Hannah Yeoh, said the programme was expected to be launched this month and benefit about 1,600 children aged three to 12-years-old from B40 families.

The programme will be implemented throughout the year in states that have recorded a high rate of fatality due to drowning,

Based on existing data, about 500 drowning cases involving children are reported each year.

"We will use swimming pools owned by the government to help B40 families attend the classes for free," she said.

With this effort, she hopes the number of drowning cases during school holidays can be prevented and reduced.

She also said he ministry aims to ensure the places selected are those where children do not have proper recreational or play areas.