Safety first: Chow (third from left) looking on as firefighters stage a demonstration on how to save a drowning victim at a hotel in Perai. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: With drowning ranked among the top causes of unintentional deaths worldwide by the World Health Organization, Penang has mandated safety awareness videos for hotel guests, becoming the first state to do so.
State Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said guests will be shown the videos the moment they check in, with instructions on essential procedures like fire evacuation so they can respond effectively during emergencies.
“This approach goes beyond conventional fire safety drills.
“It is not just about fire hazards within the hotel premises. It also covers water safety, especially in hotels with swimming pools, beach access or nearby recreational water activities.
“As tourism is a key economic driver for Penang, the dual-focus safety programme is part of an effort to make visitors feel secure, whether they are relaxing in their rooms or enjoying the island’s many waterfront attractions.
“We want every guest to feel safe and informed throughout their stay in Penang,” Shoki said at the launch of the safety awareness video at a hotel in Perai.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the event yesterday, praised the Penang Fire and Rescue Department for spearheading the project. He said the initiative marked a historic milestone in tourism safety and underscored the state’s commitment to making visitor protection a top priority.
He also said Penang had seen a surge in tourist arrivals, recording 8.2 million visitors in 2024 – an increase of nearly 29% compared with pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The sharp rise, he added, brought new challenges to safety standards in hotels, swimming pools, beaches and other tourist sites.
“This initiative comes at the right time. It is a preventive step to safeguard visitors and ensure they leave Penang with good memories, not unfortunate incidents,” said Chow.
He said the project aligns with the Penang2030 vision, emphasising community well-being, sustainability and safety as key pillars of long-term development.
“International studies show that travellers prefer destinations they trust to be safe. By investing in safety, we are also investing in our state’s tourism competitiveness,” he said.
Chow added that the initiative could be replicated nationwide.
“Imagine if every hotel in Malaysia required guests to watch safety reminder videos. This would help cut accident rates while boosting global confidence in Malaysia as a safe tourist destination.
“Each case is not just a number, as it involves a life lost and a family broken. By raising awareness early, we can reduce these risks and protect our reputation as a safe place to visit,” he said.
