Keeping everyone safe: Sabah Parks will consider increasing the number of lifeguards on islands like Maiga Island located in Semporna, Sabah that’s a favourite of many local and foreign visitors.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Parks is considering increasing the number of lifeguards on islands that are patronised by visitors.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew said Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim had spoken about this following the drowning of a tourist from China in Sapi Island on Friday.
“They (Sabah Parks) are studying whether there is a need to increase the number of lifeguards,” she said yesterday.
On this note, she advised tourists to wear lifejackets when they participate in water-based activities like snorkeling and diving.
“Wearing a lifejacket is a necessity. Refrain from taking the risk even if you are a good swimmer,” Liew said.
She said islands in Sabah were popular holiday destinations for locals and foreigners alike.
“This unfortunate incident at Beach A on Sapi Island is heart-wrenching and regrettable. We cannot afford to have holidays ending in tragedies as this could hurt Sabah’s tourism industry,” she said.
The victim, identified as Zhou Chunguang, 51, had gone swimming alone on Friday afternoon.
