KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu’s first beach ‘swimming pool’ off the treacherous South China Sea opened today, signalling the state’s serious effort to maximise its 244km coastal stretch for tourism.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said the facility was destined to spur tourism as there were plans to erect more such beach ‘swimming pools’ state-wide.
“The concept uses a rectangular safety netting, secured by buoys, to ensure swimmers are protected from being swept away by strong currents.
“Additionally, we have Civil Defence Department lifeguards on duty, a watch tower, jet skis, boats and supporting equipment to ensure nothing untoward occurs,” he said after launching the facility fronting the Primula Beach Hotel in the famed Batu Burok area.
Despite the beaches of Terengganu having been declared out of bounds for swimmers, owing to the unpredictable strong currents of the South China Sea, the advice has fallen on deaf ears to many, resulting in numerous drownings annually.
For starters, Razif said the 50m by 100m facility was open to the public for three hours from 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Calling it a smart partnership between the Kuala Terengganu City Council, Civil Defence Department and the state government, Razif added it was part of the National Blue Ocean Strategy to optimise available resources.
“Additionally, we have plans to construct sea-water swimming pools along strategic spots along the long beach fronting the state.
“Already, a man-made lagoon is being designed for Seberang Takir. These will make it even safer for swimming in view of the great demand for such facilities,” said Razif.
The four-decade old Primula Beach Hotel will also undergo a transformation to reconstruct a new tower block, believed to be worth RM100 million, towards the end of this year.