PULAU PERHENTIAN: RM50 a year is all it takes to obtain a tourist-boat operating licence for idyllic Pulau Perhentian.
Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said that the low fee was to encourage the 400-odd boat operators to be licensed and be accountable for the safety of passengers, especially tourists.
“We do not want just about anybody to start operating boats for hire or to ferry tourists at their own whims and fancies.
“As it is, there are just too many boat operators out there, causing congestion at jetties. At times, there have been close calls and near accidents.
“Imagine some unscrupulous ones sailing around with just a torch at night, which can prove hazardous to other vessels,” he said following a meeting today with boat and chalet operators.
The menteri besar recounted how such apathy had led to the fatal accident of a boat operator some time back.
Razif said the cost to obtain a valid licence, inclusive of a mandatory course from the Marine Department, was actually much higher but the state government was willing to absorb RM800 to defray the high expense for the benefit of genuine boat operators.
“We hope boat operators will take advantage of this one-off opportunity, get themselves registered and become knowledgeable of the operating and safety procedures set out by the authorities.
“This offer is only for those operating at Pulau Perhentian only,” Razif stressed.
On another note, Razif assured chalet and resort operators on the island of 24-hour electricity supply by year-end to boost tourism, with Visit Terengganu Year 2017 looming.
“This will be realised once a RM46 million seabed cable is installed between Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar, courtesy of the state government and the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry,” he said.