KOTA KINABALU: The charge imposed on visitors to Tanjung Aru Beach for sitting at tables to watch the sunset is a permitted business operation but they are not obliged to use, says Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn Bhd (TAED).
The beach management company said the rental is handled by a third party that pays TAED a monthly fee to operate there.
ALSO READ: Stop charging Tanjung Aru visitors RM20 to sit and watch sunset, says consumer group
"The public is not obligated to rent the seating facilities," TAED general manager Datuk Jake Jikulin Nointin said in a statement on Friday (Aug 30) amid an uproar over the move to charge RM20 for six people and RM15 for four people to use the tables.
Some pictures that went viral showed plastic tables and chairs also placed on the sandy beach next to the hawker centre concrete embankment.
Nointin said there was ample space for visitors to enjoy the beach and sunset without paying.
He said the rentals contributed to the maintenance and cleanliness of the beach area.
"Previously, the beach faced significant littering issues from visitors.
"The fees help ensure that the area is kept clean for everyone," he said.
ALSO READ: Unacceptable for hawkers to charge people for using chairs at Tanjung Aru beach, says assemblyman
The matter created a stir on social media as the operators were reportedly charging for the use of the chairs and tables in addition to any food and drinks ordered.
National Consumer Foundation (NCF) Sabah chairman David Chan said it was wrong to charge people for the seats as it could be seen as taking advantage of the tourists who flock to catch the iconic sunset view.
Chan said traders should refrain from charging RM20 simply for sitting on the chairs, adding that the public could lodge reports with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
