Kuala terengganu: The Terengganu government has urged all participants in squid jigging activities to wear life jackets at all times while on board boats, and advised boat skippers to conduct safety briefings before departure to reduce the risk of accidents at sea.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris emphasized that life jackets should be worn consistently, even when participants are resting or sleeping on board, to ensure safety is prioritized throughout their time at sea. Razali highlighted that boats must be equipped with safety equipment, including life jackets and fire extinguishers, to protect lives.
Razali stated that this safety measure applies not only to squid jigging but to all water-based activities. He stressed the necessity of wearing life jackets properly and keeping them on until all passengers return safely to the jetty. He also called on boat skippers to provide a safety briefing covering procedures, sea conditions, and proper life jacket use before departure.
The chairman pointed out that such practices are standard for tourist boats and that skippers, familiar with sea conditions, should brief passengers before the journey begins. He urged participants to respect skippers' decisions on whether to proceed with trips, especially under unsafe sea conditions, and noted that responsible operators are willing to refund if a trip is canceled for safety reasons.
Commenting on the recent boat capsizing incident, Razali mentioned that the vessel was in good condition and operated by an experienced skipper. The incident remains under investigation, but it is believed that rough seas allowed water into the engine compartment, leading to the sinking. Razali reiterated the importance of life jackets, noting that all passengers were wearing them at the time of the incident.
Razali stated that there are no plans to revise the existing standard operating procedures for squid jigging, as they are deemed adequate. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety measures, including pre-departure safety briefings. He also urged compliance with any advisories from the Malaysia Marine Department, particularly regarding adverse weather conditions.
Finally, Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor confirmed the tragic outcome of the capsizing, with one fatality, three injuries, and eight rescues. The deceased was identified as crew member Ahmad Nasaruddin Mohmad Jalil, 37. Injured participants included Faris Ibrahim, 33, Ahmad Danial Iman, 24, and Fatin Fariesya Rohaizan, 26, with two treated as outpatients and one remaining under follow-up treatment.