ALOR STAR: Sarawak-based social media influencer Ngek Tsai has been urged to file a complaint with the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia over the RM13,000 he paid to repair a jet ski damaged during a trip to Langkawi.
A spokesman with the state Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry office said the influencer, whose real name is Zameen Saini, could file the claim at the Sarawak KPDN office.
"He may file the claim with the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia under the KPDN in Sarawak," the ministry's official said when contacted.
Meanwhile, a Langkawi business operator lamented the incident as bad publicity for the island's tourism sector.
"We are still struggling to recover from the devastating economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and such negative publicity is not helping," said the boat tour service operator who spoke on condition of anonymity when contacted.
He claimed that water sports operators that operate within 1.5 kilometres from the coastline are not obliged to take up insurance for their equipment or assets.
"Only tour boat operators and those operating services beyond 1.5 kilometres from the beach are required to have insurance coverage based on the Maritime Department regulations," he claimed.
Earlier, Zameen expressed dismay after being asked to pay RM13,000 to repair a jet skit damaged during his trip to the island recently.
While he admitted his mistake, Zameen took to Facebook to express his disappointment with the hefty repair cost demanded by the company.
His posting has since gone viral, being shared over 7,000 times since it was uploaded two days ago.
In response, the company owner has lodged a police report demanding Zameen take down the posting and issue a public apology for tarnishing its image, despite agreeing to pay the compensation.