30-06-2025
T'ganu govt to propose revoking licences of negligent tourist boat operators
There are 628 licensed tourist boat operators in Terengganu, operating around resort islands such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Lang Tengah.
KUALA TERENGGANU : The Terengganu government will submit a proposal to the marine department for the revocation or suspension of licences for tourist boat operators or skippers found to be involved in accidents because of negligence.
State tourism, culture, environment and climate change committee chairman Razali Idris said the proposed move was to serve as a lesson and reinforce the importance of ensuring tourist safety.
He said there were 628 licensed tourist boat operators in Terengganu, operating around resort islands such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Lang Tengah.
'In Terengganu, 70% of the tourism sector is focused along the coast and islands. As such, we work closely with strategic partners like the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the marine department, with whom we hold regular engagement sessions to strengthen enforcement and related matters.
'Following the recent accident at Pulau Perhentian, which claimed three lives, we will submit a proposal to the marine department to revoke or suspend the licences of any boat operators or skippers found to be negligent.
'The decision to revoke or suspend will depend on the specifics of each case,' he said at a press conference at Wisma Darul Iman today.
Razali said the state government, together with other enforcement agencies, would increase on-site visits to provide tourism operators with clearer guidance on the SOPs for managing passengers and tourists.
He also said boat operators were encouraged to provide safety briefings to passengers prior to departure.
'There have also been cases where tourists fail to wear life jackets. That's why we've held numerous engagement sessions with the relevant agencies and tourism operators to reinforce the importance of adhering to safety SOPs.
'Sometimes, the SOPs are in place but they are not followed, leading to unfortunate incidents. In the recent boat capsizing case, we identified three serious violations by the operator: exceeding the passenger limit, failure to ensure that life jackets were worn, and, most concerning, the use of prohibited substances,' he said.
S Arumugam, 40, his three-year-old daughter A Sarrvihka, and a 10-year-old relative, V Vennpani, lost their lives in the 10.30pm incident on Saturday. Two others were injured, one critically, while 10 passengers survived.
The boat passengers, aged between three and 40, were returning from Pulau Perhentian Kecil to Pulau Perhentian Besar after dinner when their boat was suddenly struck by large waves, causing it to capsize.
Yesterday, Besut district police chief Azamuddin Ahmad @ Abu said that the boat skipper tested positive for drugs and had a record of five criminal offences related to banned substances.
