KOTA KINABALU: A recently-improved standard operating procedures (SOPs) by the government and tour operators will ensure better safety measures for tourist activities on the Mantanani Island in Kota Belud.
Tourism and Culture Ministry's (Motac) Sabah office director Ag Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar said the island, about two hours drive from here, handles an average of 1,000 visitors daily, thus it needed the improved safety aspects.
“Among those SOPs includes having an Emergency Response Team which will make decision on whether to cease operations based on weather warnings for the day.
“Operators who go against the team’s decision would face the music if something happens during their watch,” he said, adding the team was already operating since Sept 7.
Ag Ahmad was speaking after launching the third edition of Installation Art by the bay at Segama Waterfront here.
He added Motac would not only forward such negligence cases to Occupational Safety and Health department but tour operators also risked losing their licences.
The response team, consists of 15 tour operators at the island, is also urged to install global positioning systems and flare guns.
He said similar SOPs were expected to be implemented at other islands and rivers in the state soon.
Earlier, Ag Ahmad said the five-day Installation Art since Thursday was jointly organised by Motac, Sabah Tourist Association, City Hall, Sabah Art gallery, Lavinia Private Art gallery and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
Thirteen teams from Sabah and one from Pulau Pinang took part in installing environmental theme three-dimensional arts at the boardwalk here.
“The purpose of this event is to develop art tourism in Sabah through interactive art installations by reusing and recycling available materials for greener and cleaner environment.”