Floods Aren’t a Playground: The Dangers of Children Playing in Contaminated Waters
Source: SAYS
As floods continue to wreak havoc in Malaysia, concerns have arisen over families allowing their children to play in the contaminated waters. A viral TikTok video by user @sy42w417 shows several families, including children, swimming and playing in knee-deep floodwaters in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The video, titled “Kota Bharu Water Park,” has gathered over 850,000 views, sparking widespread alarm among netizens.
While some might view it as harmless fun during the floods, many are warning against the dangers of such behavior. The floodwaters are often contaminated with a mix of sewage, drain water, and waste, which pose serious health risks. Waterborne diseases like leptospirosis, typhoid, and melioidosis are all potential threats, and children are particularly vulnerable to these infections.
One concerned netizen commented, “Why are they treating the floodwaters like a water park? It’s too dirty to let your children play there.” Another added, “The water is filled with drain water, sewage, and trash. I hope all their antibodies are strong.”
As of December 2, Kelantan remains the worst-hit state by floods, with over 86,000 people affected and nearly 27,000 families displaced. With the floodwaters causing widespread damage, health experts are urging the public to take necessary precautions to avoid exposure to these dangerous waters.
