Terengganu: The Terengganu government has formed a Special Search and Rescue (SAR) Team on Pulau Perhentian here and Pulau Lang Tengah in Setiu as part of efforts to enhance tourist safety on both resort islands. State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris announced the formation of the team following several incidents involving the safety of tourists, notably a recent event on Pulau Perhentian.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the SAR team will operate from March to October annually, aligning with the peak period of tourist arrivals. The initiative involves cooperation with numerous existing safety and rescue agencies, such as the police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Malaysian Marine Department, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the Besut District Office, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Terengganu State Health Department, and representatives of tourism operators and local communities.

The chairman expressed confidence that the formation of the team will boost tourist confidence and ensure their safety is consistently maintained during their visits to the resort islands in Terengganu.