80pct of sea deaths due to life jacket neglect

New Straits Times

28-06-2025

PORT KLANG: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) recorded that 80 per cent of sea-related fatalities last year were due to victims not wearing life jackets while engaged in maritime activities.
MMEA Air Operations Division director Maritime First Admiral Mohd Tahir Khalid said there were 226 recorded maritime incidents in 2024 involving 1,348 victims.
Of these, 1,259 were rescued, 64 died, and 25 remain missing.
As of 31 May this year, 108 cases have already been reported, involving 251 victims, of which 203 of them were rescued, 36 died, and 12 are still missing.
"Emergencies or accidents at sea usually happen when individuals are not wearing life jackets.
"If they had been wearing one, they could at least have stayed afloat while awaiting rescue.
"Most deaths or disappearances at sea, nearly 80 per cent, are due to the absence of personal safety equipment, specifically life jackets.
"When a vessel capsizes or someone falls overboard, we often find the victims were not wearing any emergency gear at the time.
"Many people say life jackets are uncomfortable, especially while engaging in sea-based activities.
"But we consistently advise that they wear them," he said at a press conference after officiating the 2025 Maritime Safety Awareness Day (HKKM) celebration, themed Float to Live, held at Persiaran Kapal Bugis, Tanjung Harapan.
He said there are now various types of compact and easy-to-wear personal safety equipment available.
Also present was Selangor Maritime director, Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh.
Mohd Tahir said the current figures were alarming and, if the trend continues, fatalities could potentially double by the end of the year, possibly reaching close to 100 deaths.
"As such, there is an urgent need to enhance public awareness of maritime safety, not only among the maritime community but also the general public who may be at risk while at sea.
"Through today's programme theme, the MMEA urges the public to reassess their level of preparedness and learn proper floating techniques.
"This isn't just for fishermen or seafarers; it applies to anyone who might find themselves at sea, whether for work or recreation," he said.
He said HKKM is not merely a commemorative event but a strategic initiative to cultivate understanding and awareness in the community about the importance of safety at sea, whether for livelihood or leisure.
"Float to Live is a highly relevant theme, as floating is one of the most basic and vital survival skills in an emergency at sea.
"Research shows that many victims of maritime incidents could have been saved if they had the basic knowledge and skills to survive while awaiting help.
"I am confident that if these skills are widely practised by all segments of society, we can reduce the number of incidents and fatalities at sea," he said.
On 7 June, police confirmed that six locals involved in a capsized boat incident about 0.3 nautical miles west of Tanjung Harapan, Port Klang, on the evening of 6 June, were not wearing life jackets.
The deceased were identified as husband and wife Gan Hon Tat, 32, and Careen Man, 29; their three-year-old son Darren Gan; boat owner Cheu Son Hin, 50; and Fong Yong Sen, 29. Another victim, Chang Yan Qin Alvin, 17, survived.