Batu Ferringhi’s �??thugs�?� pushed to form association

WATERFRONT operators along Batu Ferringhi in Penang have been given until Saturday to form an association, according to the state government.

The temporary ban on watersports activities following a water scooter accident (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 7) was relaxed last Saturday, allowing beach operators to do business under strict surveillance over a seven-day interim period while they formed an association with proper guidelines and standard operating procedures, reported local newspaper The Star.

The Penang Municipal Council is in the process of finalising guidelines to regulate beach activities, and it is understood that one of the measures will be the creation of a special zone for jet ski operators on Batu Ferringhi.

World Avenues executive director Ally Bhoonee said: “(The association) will give the authorities a point of contact to discuss policies and safety and security issues. It will also educate operators on being more hospitable. Currently, the unlicensed tour operators are operating like thugs.”

Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang Chapter president Marco Giovanni Battistotti was also hopeful of an effective solution.

He said: “Family travel to Ferringhi beach will increase, and travellers who have moved on to other beach destinations will return to Penang.”

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