MELAKA: Beachgoers have been told by maritime officials to avoid riding on unlicensed recreational boats.
Melaka/Negri Sembilan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Maritime Kpt Iskandar Ishak said they had the opportunity to warn beachgoers on the risk of riding on unlicensed boats during a visit to the Port Dickson and Pengkalan Batu beachfronts on Sept 7 and 8.
He said scores of boat operators were also screened during the visit and two boats were confiscated after the skippers failed to produce their licences.
“The skippers need Certificate of Competency before operating the boats for recreational purposes.
“The boats also had no permits from the Marine Department and investigations are being carried out under the Merchant Ship Ordinance 1952.
"Our priority is to ensure the safety of holidaymakers riding on these recreational boats," he said on Friday (Sept 9).
Iskandar added that the change of weather could also endanger the safety of beachgoers engaging the services of such boats.
