Children under 14 represent over a third of Kelantan drowning deaths, officials say
Children younger than 14 made up roughly 36% of the 96 drowning fatalities recorded in Kelantan since 2023, leading authorities to boost water-safety initiatives.
Since the start of 2023, Kelantan has recorded 96 drowning deaths, and children under 14 account for about 36% of those fatalities, according to the Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM). Director Farhan Sufyan Borhan said 35 of the victims were minors, with the peak number of child deaths—14—occurring in 2024. The total drowning count rose from 28 in 2023 to 31 in 2024, dropped to 27 in 2025, and is at 10 for one outlet year.
Child drownings followed a similar pattern: seven in 2023, 14 in 2024, 11 in 2025, and three so far this year. In response, JBPM is intensifying preventive measures, notably the free Program Jom Renang, which has delivered five series of swimming lessons to roughly 300 children under 12 statewide. The department also called on parents to vigilantly monitor youngsters near rivers, ponds, lakes and other open water, and asked schools and communities to help embed water-safety practices.
Why it matters
High child drowning rates in Kelantan highlight urgent gaps in water safety education and supervision.
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