Ensure tourist boats have valid permits: Kamarlin

Beaufort: Tourism operators offering marine services in the State need to ensure that their tourist boats have a valid permit from the Marine Department.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Kamarlin Ombi said it was important as the approval can only be given if the boats fulfil the safety requirements established by the department.

He said the regulations were a main condition to ensure the safety of tourists in the boats is assured, especially in the open sea.

“If the terms are not met, then our ministry will not be responsible for any incident as it is clear that the tourism operator did not want to follow the regulations.

“We take a serious view on such matters as the safety of tourists is our priority and stern action will be taken on those who fail to comply,” he said after officiating the closing of the community integration programme in conjunction with Kaamatan 2016, here, Wednesday.

Kamarlin said each boat driver needs to have a boat licence from the department and skilled in aspects of compass navigation and knowledge of the open sea.

He said the skill is among the criteria required of tourism operators before taking anyone as a worker to ensure the safety of tourists.

“We do not want an incident where boats are lost or adrift due to untrained boat drivers as strong winds or waves can happen suddenly at sea which are challenging even to experienced boat drivers.

“Not only that, they also need to possess life-saving skills in case of any emergency involving tourists under their care when conducting activities at sea.”

During the event, Kamarlin also presented certificates of appreciation to 80 neighbourhood watch personnel from the peninsula, Sarawak and Labuan that participated in the programme co- organised by the National Unity and Integration Department.

Source: Daily Express