A family holiday turned tragic after an eight-year-old Malaysian boy drowned in an adult swimming pool at a hotel in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, during the Deepavali break.
Despite three doctors who happened to be staying at the hotel rushing to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the boy could not be saved.
The incident occurred at about 9am yesterday. Brickfields district police chief Assistant Commissioner Ku Chang Foong said the hotel’s assistant security manager was alerted to the drowning and immediately rushed to the swimming pool.
The boy, who was from Pantai, Perak, was found in distress, with three doctors staying at the hotel already performing CPR when the security personnel arrived.
Hotel staff also provided medical oxygen equipment and an automated external defibrillator (AED) to assist with the emergency response.
Hotel reception staff contacted the emergency services at about 9.30am, and an ambulance arrived at approximately 9.47am before rushing the boy to Hospital Tunku Azizah in Kuala Lumpur, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police investigations found that the boy had checked into the hotel with his family on Nov 7.
The incident took place in an adult swimming pool with a depth of 1.2 metres. There was no lifeguard on duty at the time, although hotel employees were present around the pool area.
Police are investigating the case under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which concerns neglecting or exposing a child to danger.
Ku urged parents and members of the public, particularly those bringing young children to swimming pools or beaches, to remain vigilant and keep a close eye on their children to prevent similar tragedies.
