SEMPORNA: Tourists are advised to ensure their safety first when choosing packages offered by operators, especially those offering lower rates.
Semporna Professional Divers Association (SPDA) chairman Suzimin Edris said after the Sabah government allowed interdistrict and interstate travelling many operatorrs have been found to offer low rates for tourists.
For example, despite operators having previously agreed to set RM120 for a three-island hopping package, some have dropped the rate to RM35.
He said with the cheaper fare given by unlicensed operators, those companies were likely to recruit inexperienced workers who might not be skilled with responding to emergency and first aid.
"We would like to advise visitors who come to Semporna to choose wisely of a registered agent or tour operator.
"Although their rate is slightly higher, safety will be guaranteed. Do not turn your holiday into a tragedy," he said.
In the past few years, there were several major incidents involving tourists, which include the catamaran tragedy on Jan 28, 2017 that killed three out of 28 Chinese nationals while heading to Mengalum island.
The incident had raised several safety aspects including the capacity, the physical condition of the boat and licensing matters among others.
Suzimin added that the association was also hoping that the tourist jetty management would impose stricter conditions to tour boats by having proper licences, fire extinguishers and other necessary safety items that would be required for watersports activities.
SPDA would be having another meeting with other operators to discuss and explain the importance of having a standard rate that could guarantee safety of the people.
"Among the issues to be raised include why operators want to drop the rate which (indirectly) lowers the value of islands in Semporna?
"Another one is to query how authorities are allowing some (illegal) parties to be involved in tourism activities in Semporna."