KUALA TERENGGANU: The ban on flying drones and fishing at the iconic drawbridge area here is due to safety factors, says TI Properties Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Khalizan Mahmud.
He said the company, which operates the bridge and its towers, was aware that the restrictions had received various negative reactions from the public, and became a hot topic of discussion on social media.
Khalizan said drastic and firm action had to be taken following several incidents of drones crashing on the roof of the tower as well as the area around the drawbridge.
“TI Properties is actually very appreciative and grateful to the drone operators who have uploaded interesting pictures and videos (of the drawbridge area) on various social media platforms, and it has to some extent helped to promote and raise awareness of tourism products in Terengganu.
“However, the ‘no-fly’ ban had to be enforced at the drawbridge area, as failure to control the drones could cause them to crash and damage the ‘skybridge’ building, where all of its panels are made of glass, thus endangering public safety,” he said, adding that the drones could also interfere with frequencies used by the drawbridge system.
He said the company had to be careful as there were strict laws governing the use of drones, and those found operating the devices without a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia could face a minimum fine of RM50,000, as well as jail time.
As for the fishing ban, he said it covered areas under the bridge and around it for public safety, as well as to prevent the area from being littered with fish bait.
“Therefore, we hope the public can cooperate in complying with these instructions for the common good,” he added. — Bernama
He said the company, which operates the bridge and its towers, was aware that the restrictions had received various negative reactions from the public, and became a hot topic of discussion on social media.
Khalizan said drastic and firm action had to be taken following several incidents of drones crashing on the roof of the tower as well as the area around the drawbridge.
“TI Properties is actually very appreciative and grateful to the drone operators who have uploaded interesting pictures and videos (of the drawbridge area) on various social media platforms, and it has to some extent helped to promote and raise awareness of tourism products in Terengganu.
“However, the ‘no-fly’ ban had to be enforced at the drawbridge area, as failure to control the drones could cause them to crash and damage the ‘skybridge’ building, where all of its panels are made of glass, thus endangering public safety,” he said, adding that the drones could also interfere with frequencies used by the drawbridge system.
He said the company had to be careful as there were strict laws governing the use of drones, and those found operating the devices without a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia could face a minimum fine of RM50,000, as well as jail time.
As for the fishing ban, he said it covered areas under the bridge and around it for public safety, as well as to prevent the area from being littered with fish bait.
“Therefore, we hope the public can cooperate in complying with these instructions for the common good,” he added. — Bernama
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
