PORT DICKSON: Visitors to Teluk Kemang beach are puzzled as operators continue to set up rental tents at the popular picnic spot, despite the issue having been addressed by the state executive council.
Negri Sembilan Local Government Development, Housing and Transport Committee chairman J. Arul Kumar recently said the Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) had been ordered to seize the rental tents that were illegally set up in the public areas of the beach.
Social media was abuzz with the issue, where tent operators on Teluk Kemang beach were accused of prohibiting visitors from laying out mats for picnics, which sparked dissatisfaction as it is a public area.
However, the practice persists on Teluk Kemang beach, which netizens have dubbed "Tent Bay", for almost a decade.
A visitor, known only as Rahim, 36, who came with his family from Kuala Lumpur, said the situation made it seem as if the operators were "untouchable".
"Previously, they would warn visitors if they laid out mats near tents reserved by others, but now there are no more warnings.
"I do not think they are affected by this 'hot issue' because they claim the tents are set up at the request of renters.
"I also don't see any action taken by the local authorities (PBT), which is strange," he said.
Rohana Abdullah, 46, from Bangi, Selangor, was surprised to see the "blue tents" still being set up on the beach.
"If PBT had acted, they wouldn't be setting up tents even if there was demand from visitors. Instead, this practice continues as if they are immune to reprimands.
"I'm puzzled as to how they can still boldly set up these blue tents, especially after the state exco had warned them, considering it has angered the public," she said.
A visitor from Melaka, Daniel Armin, 31, also expressed shock that the rental tents were still in place despite Arul Kumar's warning.
"They are bold enough to ignore the authority's warning. I am also surprised that MPPD enforcement officers are not taking action against them," he said.
MPPD president Hasnor Abd Hamid, when contacted, said the council would engage the operators to ensure they complied with the orders, adding that the issue was expected to be resolved by the end of this year.