Kuala terengganu: The Terengganu government will propose to the Marine Department the revocation or suspension of licences for tourist boat operators or skippers involved in accidents due to negligence. This initiative is part of a stern effort to emphasize the importance of tourist safety, announced by Datuk Razali Idris, chairman of the State Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Committee.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Terengganu is home to 628 licensed tourist boat operators, primarily operating around resort islands such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Kapas, and Pulau Lang Tengah. With 70 percent of the state's tourism focused along the coast and islands, the government collaborates closely with strategic partners like the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Marine Department to enhance enforcement and safety measures.
Following a tragic accident on Pulau Perhentian that resulted in three fatalities, the government is taking decisive action. Razali stated that a proposal will be submitted to revoke or suspend the licences of negligent operators or skippers, with decisions based on the specifics of each case. This announcement was made during a press conference at Wisma Darul Iman.
The state government plans to increase on-site visits with enforcement agencies to provide clearer guidance on safety procedures. Boat operators are encouraged to conduct safety briefings before departure. Despite existing standard operating procedures (SOPs), incidents still occur due to non-compliance. The recent capsizing incident revealed violations by the operator, including exceeding passenger limits, neglecting life jacket protocols, and using prohibited substances.
In the incident, which occurred at 10.30 pm on a Saturday, S. Arumugam, 40, his three-year-old daughter A. Sarrvihka, and a 10-year-old relative, V. Vennpani, tragically lost their lives. Two others were injured, one critically, while 10 passengers survived. The passengers, aged between three and 40, were returning from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar when their boat was capsized by large waves.
Besut district police chief Supt Azamuddin Ahmad@Abu revealed that the boat skipper tested positive for drugs and had five prior records related to banned substances. The investigation showed that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.