KOTA TINGGI, Sept 4 — Pengerang Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has called for coastal areas in Desaru, including Pantai Tanjung Lompat, to be equipped with red flags and warning signs to deter people from swimming in high-risk areas.

She said she had proposed the measure to the local authorities (PBT), particularly for beaches with strong currents that are unsuitable for swimming.

“This is important, especially during the school holidays when more visitors are expected to visit the beaches,” she told a press conference after visiting the family of a drowning victim at Pantai Tanjung Lompat here today.

Azalina, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), advised families to avoid sea activities from September to December due to strong winds.

She said visitors might not be aware of the risks, particularly at campsites without clear signs prohibiting swimming.

On the need for beach patrol or lifeguards, Azalina said the matter should be studied as the coastline in Pengerang is extensive and would involve additional costs, unlike resorts where lifeguards are part of the management.

She said sea conditions in Pengerang differ from those in several other coastal areas such as Terengganu, Mersing and Tioman, as the area is a trade route with strong currents.

According to her, strong winds can also cause the sea to appear calm on the surface even when it is unsafe, as there may be strong or swirling currents beneath the water.

Three of the four victims in Wednesday morning’s incident have so far been found drowned. They were Muhammad Adib Hafiy Kamal, Muhammad Thaqif Rayyan Rumainoor and Alif Taqiuddin Kamal Hasrul, all aged 16.

The search for the fourth victim, Mohamad Haiman Fitri Supian, who remains missing, is ongoing. — Bernama