KOTA KINABALU: The practice of some hawkers charging RM20 just for visitors to sit at a table and watch the famed Tanjung Aru beach sunset should be stopped immediately, says the National Consumer Foundation (NCF).
Amid a social media storm over the charges, NCF Sabah chairman David Chan said the move was tarnishing Sabah's image as it is seen as taking advantage of the tourists keen to take in the view every day.
"Our tourists should not be taken advantage of. It would tarnish Sabah's eco-tourism image," he said on Thursday (Aug 29), adding that even locals were affected.
The beach was a public area, he pointed out.
Some hawkers have put up tables and chairs on the beach, charging RM20 for a group of six and RM15 for four.
This led to an outcry on social media, with many questioning if the traders were even allowed to do so in the first place.
Chan said he did not know if the management of Tanjung Aru Eco-Development (TAED) had given the hawkers permission.
"TAED should clarify immediately and stop this if they are not allowed to do so," he said.
He added that if the hawkers were allowed to put up tables and chairs there, they should add signs clearly indicating that the furniture is for customers only to avoid misunderstandings.
He urged tourists and locals to lodge complaints with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
"This is in line with efforts to maintain fair trade practices and uphold Sabah's reputation as a welcoming destination," he added.
Chan said they could file a complaint at https://www.kpdn.gov.my/index.php/ms/kepenggunaan/hak-pengguna/aduan-pengguna or via WhatsApp at 019-279 4317.
When contacted, TAED chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said he was unaware of the matter and would get the management to look into it.
During weekends, up to 3,000 people including tourists converge on the beach to watch the sunset, which has been described as among the best views in the world.
