All quiet on the beachfront
A strange tranquility pervades the Batu Ferringhi beachfront following the suspension of water sport activities by the local council.
Conspicuously missing from the popular venue was the usual flurry of activities involving the jet-skis, motorboats and parasailing.
A Streets check at the beachfront showed that the popular tourist belt was very much deserted yesterday.
No motorised sports have taken place since the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) temporarily suspended water sport activities following the fatal parasailing accident on Wednesday which killed an Arab woman.
MPPP president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail said 23 water sports operators were affected after the suspension order took effect last Thursday.
A licensed water sport operator Lim Khek Cheik, 60, said he has been observing the temporary ban which has affected his business badly.
"I have been earning between RM800 and RM2,000 a day but the suspension has deprived me of my livelihood since Wednesday.
"We are having a meeting today with the Penang Water Sport Club to negotiate with MPPP to lift the ban," he said yesterday when contacted.
Lim said he had to earn at least RM1,000 a day to break even.
"We are unable to make ends meet if the ban continues indefinitely," he added.
Meanwhile, beachgoers still throng the seashore but their numbers have since dwindled.
Paul Pearce, 42, from Australia said he enjoyed parasailing very much and was disappointed that it had been suspended.
"Parasailing and related-water sports are a hit among the foreigners, including my family and friends.
"The incident was unfortunate but I hope the local authority would lift the ban soon," said Pearce.
Local tourist Mohamad Faisal Nordin, 32, however, said he was not too concerned about the suspension on water sports.
"We do not indulge in water sports, unlike overseas visitors.
"Our aim is to laze around and enjoy the scenery, instead of taking part in water sports," he said.
The Batu Ferringhi beachfront is quiet after the temporarily ban on water sport activities. Pic by Michael Ong
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
A strange tranquility pervades the Batu Ferringhi beachfront following the suspension of water sport activities by the local council.
Conspicuously missing from the popular venue was the usual flurry of activities involving the jet-skis, motorboats and parasailing.
A Streets check at the beachfront showed that the popular tourist belt was very much deserted yesterday.
No motorised sports have taken place since the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) temporarily suspended water sport activities following the fatal parasailing accident on Wednesday which killed an Arab woman.
MPPP president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail said 23 water sports operators were affected after the suspension order took effect last Thursday.
A licensed water sport operator Lim Khek Cheik, 60, said he has been observing the temporary ban which has affected his business badly.
"I have been earning between RM800 and RM2,000 a day but the suspension has deprived me of my livelihood since Wednesday.
"We are having a meeting today with the Penang Water Sport Club to negotiate with MPPP to lift the ban," he said yesterday when contacted.
Lim said he had to earn at least RM1,000 a day to break even.
"We are unable to make ends meet if the ban continues indefinitely," he added.
Meanwhile, beachgoers still throng the seashore but their numbers have since dwindled.
Paul Pearce, 42, from Australia said he enjoyed parasailing very much and was disappointed that it had been suspended.
"Parasailing and related-water sports are a hit among the foreigners, including my family and friends.
"The incident was unfortunate but I hope the local authority would lift the ban soon," said Pearce.
Local tourist Mohamad Faisal Nordin, 32, however, said he was not too concerned about the suspension on water sports.
"We do not indulge in water sports, unlike overseas visitors.
"Our aim is to laze around and enjoy the scenery, instead of taking part in water sports," he said.
The Batu Ferringhi beachfront is quiet after the temporarily ban on water sport activities. Pic by Michael Ong
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
No comments:
Post a Comment