KOTA KINABALU: All tour operators and resorts at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone have been given one month beginning tomorrow to install the Automatic Identification System (AIS) on their boats.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the system would ensure the safety of tourists while going to the islands nearby for water activities including diving.
The system will enable the authority to trace the boat movement, especially at areas categorised as hotspots for cross-border crimes.
He added the system will enable security agencies to monitor and communicate with the vessel’s crew at any time.
He said stern action will be taken against operators, where failure to comply will see the companies having their licenses revoked.
“Esscom and other enforcement agencies will carry out inspection on all tour boats (to ensure that the operators adhere to this),” he said in a statement.
Hazani added the one-month period was ample time for operators to install the system.