Water sports licences issued Move by council aimed at monitoring beach activities and protecting tourists

GEORGE TOWN: Water sports activities in Batu Ferringhi are finally being regulated. Twenty-four water scooter operators received their licences from the Penang Municipal Council yesterday. Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said that by issuing licences to the operators, the council would be able to ensure the safety of tourists.

“The state government has received many complaints from hoteliers and tourists on errant water scooter operators. We want Batu Ferringhi to regain its shine as a popular tourist destination. “We recognise the contribution of these operators who have been here for a long time and we hope they can give visitors a positive impression of the place,” Chow said at a ceremony at the beachfront to hand over the licences to the 24 operators. He said the council would continue monitoring the operators to ensure their water scooters were in safe working condition.

“Buoys will also be placed along the waterfront to mark the designated zones for the water scooters,” he said, adding that a non-governmental organisation had volunteered to send lifeguards to patrol the beaches every Sunday. An age limit of 16 and above for riders and a 12-hour operation from 7am to 7pm are among the licence guidelines. Operators must also ensure that they operate at least 75m from shore.

A two-knot speed limit when launching and returning to shore has also been imposed. The operators will also be required to undergo first aid courses and have first aid kits available. Water scooter operator Edward Davies said he was happy to finally have his operation legalised. “I’ve been operating here for 30 years. I will definitely remind my staff to give good, thorough instructions to holidaymakers,” he said.

Seventeen foot reflexology operators also received their licences during the ceremony yesterday. Foot reflexology operator Julie Goh appealed to the council to allow them to provide body massage services. “I am happy to move into the gazebo built for us but I hope the council can also allow us to do body massages to increase our income,” she said.

Meanwhile, horse riding operators have urged the council to lift the ban on the activity. Mohd Salim Ismon, who represented these operators, said they were asking for just a 700m stretch on a non-crowded area. “Since the ban in January, some 40 of us have lost our source of income,” he said, adding that many tourists enjoyed the activity. Also banned from the beach are quad bikes.

-thestar online.