Tanjung Lompat Boat Operators Urged To Report Movements To Enhance Safety

KOTA TINGGI, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Tanjung Lompat boat operators are urged to report movements of their crew and passengers before heading out to sea and after returning to shore to enhance safety monitoring in the area. 

Tanjung Lompat, Desaru Recreational Boat Operators Association chairman Mohd Zulazhar Satri said the information would be relayed to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) through the Tanjung Lompat Maritime Friends Group, which is supervised by Chief Petty Officer (M) Shahfur Irmam Ahmad Lathin. 

“This will strengthen two-way communication and facilitate coordination of action in the event of an emergency. Our approach here is preventive, because safety begins before a boat leaves the shore,” he told Bernama. 

Asked whether the operators had received any specialised training from the agency, Mohd Zulazhar, 39, said they had not. However, he said to obtain the qualifications or licence to operate a boat, they were required to attend classes and sit for the test set by the Malaysian Marine Department (JLM). 

During the process, he said, they were also exposed to aspects of maritime safety, navigation, navigation regulations, and relevant maritime laws. 

“Being an operator is not simply about knowing how to operate a boat; we also need to understand the rules at sea and our responsibility for the safety of the boat and its passengers,” he said. 

He said based on the association’s current records, there were 22 active recreational boats, while another seven were in the process of renewing their licences with JLM. 

Mohd Zulazhar, who has 13 years of experience operating boats, said he believed the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) were adequate if properly followed, in addition to remaining alert to weather conditions and being prepared for any eventuality to prevent untoward incidents. 

“What is more important is our discipline in complying with the SOPs, as well as ensuring that the boat, engine, fuel and safety equipment are in good condition throughout operations,” he said. 

On the drowning of four 16-year-old boys at Pantai Tanjung Lompat, he said the heartbreaking incident was a distressing experience for members of the public who took part in the search and rescue (SAR) operation. 

“This was the first time one of our association members personally encountered a situation where a victim was found deceased. It was indeed a deeply moving experience. 

“Throughout the operation, we followed the instructions, regulations, and search sectors set by MMEA. As local boat operators, we contributed our expertise and knowledge of the waters here to assist them,” he said. 

Asked about the association’s view on the collision between two passenger boats that claimed two lives in Kuala Sungai Mersing on Aug 31, he said accidents could be caused by various factors, including weather and sea conditions, negligence, speeding, technical problems or failure to comply with SOPs. 

“We cannot deny that there may still be some operators who neglect the SOPs. However, we constantly remind our association members to ensure their licences are valid, safety equipment is sufficient, passenger capacity limits are observed, and weather conditions are assessed before heading out to sea. 

“In addition, safety must never be compromised, and no one should venture out to sea when weather conditions are unfavourable. Tourists and anglers should also choose licensed operators, follow the boat operator’s instructions and wear life jackets. Safety at sea is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

Meanwhile, an MMEA representative said the group was the agency’s strategic community-level partner, particularly those living and conducting activities near the waters in the area. 

“Although we have the assets, technology and expertise to conduct patrols and SAR operations, the local community has knowledge of shallow water locations, boat routes, beach conditions and changes in sea conditions in the area. 

“In addition, smaller boats can enter shallow waters and approach coastal areas that are difficult for security force assets to access, thereby assisting in SAR situations such as the drowning tragedy involving the four victims last week,” he said. 

He said MMEA would enhance maritime safety awareness programmes, strengthen communication channels and improve information-sharing methods to be more systematic and effective. 

On Wednesday, the Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 8.19 am regarding a tragedy involving six 16-year-old boys who were reported to have drowned while swimming. Two of them were rescued by members of the public, while the other four were reported missing. 

The four victims, Muhammad Thaqif Rayyan Rumainoor, Alif Taqiuddin Kamal Hasrul, Muhammad Adib Hafiy Kamal and Mohamad Haiman Fitri, were found during a four-day SAR operation coordinated by MMEA, which ended yesterday. 

-- BERNAMA