KUCHING: The Ministry of Youth and Sports is broadening its Sports Basic Skills Training Programme (KLAS) for swimming to children from low-income (B40) families.
Its Minister Hannah Yeoh said the goal is to reduce drowning deaths by teaching basic swimming to children from these families.
She shared that Phase 1 programme had 18 locations, mainly in flood-prone areas. It saw 739 kids aged 6-12 mastering swimming with a 90 per cent average success rate.
After a successful first phase, it’s now introducing Phase 2 in 36 locations from September to December.
“The programme’s next phase aims to reach 5,760 children, again from B40 families, aged six to 12,” said Yeoh.
She said this to reporters after officiating at the Kuching Division-level Phase 2 Series 1 of the Sports Basic Skills Training Programme (KLAS) for swimming at the Sarawak Youth and Sports Complex here yesterday.
The Ministry also wants to expand its reach to the elderly and differently-abled (PwD).
“Many elderly people, especially in flood zones, can’t swim. So, we’ve started a pilot project for them, plus children under six and 20 PwD individuals,” Yeoh added.
This pilot, which began in places like Seri Kembangan and Segamat, will be assessed for effectiveness. If successful, the Ministry plans further expansions.
She also confirmed the inclusion of locations in Sabah and Sarawak.
For those interested, sign-ups for KLAS began on Aug 16, via the National Youth and Sports Department’s social media.
Selected participants’ parents or guardians will receive further details. Also present was Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.
