JOHOR BARU: As the year-end school holidays coincide with the monsoon season, police have urged parents to closely monitor their children to ensure their safety.
Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said that the heavy rainfall brought by the monsoon increases risks for young ones, especially in outdoor environments.
“Parents should avoid bringing their children outdoors near lakes, rivers and coastal areas during this period.
“Sudden water surges and strong currents could be life-threatening to individuals even if they are good swimmers,” he said yesterday.
ACP Raub also warned against letting children play near drainage areas as they could be swept away by the current, especially during or after a heavy downpour.
“The rainy season makes such areas extremely dangerous. Even shallow water can pose risks to children,” he added.
He said that it is important for parents to know who their children are with and their whereabouts at all times as it would make it easier to locate them if anything happens.
ACP Raub also said that parents should strictly follow instructions from the authorities, especially in cases of evacuations due to flooding.
“Evacuation orders should never be ignored. They are issued to protect lives,” he said, adding that children should not play in floodwater as it is dangerous and may contain contaminants that could lead to illnesses.
He also reminded road users to exercise caution during heavy rainfall as slippery roads and reduced visibility can increase the risk of accidents.
“Drivers should reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and use their headlights to improve visibility.
“Tyres should be in good condition and brakes must function well to prevent skidding,” he said.
ACP Raub also said motorists should avoid sudden braking or sharp turns during heavy rain.
“Drivers should stay alert and avoid using mobile phones while driving. Distractions can be fatal, especially in wet conditions.”
He urged those travelling to plan their journeys ahead, taking into account weather forecasts and road conditions.
“For those living in flood-prone areas, it is better to postpone non-essential travel until the weather improves,” he said.
