Want to swim like a mermaid? Head to Malaysia

In the coastal town of Klang, near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, a mermaid school is teaching people various ways of emulating these mythical creatures. It is not the only facility in the world to offer this course. (AFP)

"It's quite tough," said Koh Yi Xuen, who is 27 and has been learning the special swimming technique for about three years. "We have to open our eyes in the water, and our legs are tied up." (AFP)

Lee Boon Leong said he started offering the lessons at his swimming academy after a company approached him and asked to hire someone who could swim like a mermaid for a product launch. (AFP)

The school, which now has five instructors, has taught about 500 women to swim like mermaids. (AFP)

Lee said it is possible to learn the basics in about 16 hours of classes over three months. (AFP)