MERSING: Residents of Pulau Aur, 76km east of here, are concerned for their safety and wellbeing because the island lacks a permanent security post.
The island, the farthest from the Peninsular Malaysia coast and facing the South China Sea, is often inaccessible during the monsoon season when strong north-east winds trigger large waves.
Sabinah Md Seth, 48, the island’s Village Development and Security Committee chairman, said it is difficult to safeguard residents without a permanent security post.
"There have been cases where foreign fishermen broke into villagers’ homes in search of food.
"They arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, seeking shelter from severe weather.
"We’re worried such incidents could happen again, especially during storms,” she said when met on the island recently.
A two-hour boat ride from here, Pulau Aur is a popular ecotourism and diving destination, also serving as a strategic route for local and foreign fishing vessels.
According to Sabinah, it is home to 128 permanent residents, and the population can swell to 500 during school holidays and fruit season, when locals who have migrated in search of work or education return.
She said re-establishing government agencies on the island could help ensure the long-term safety and wellbeing of the people there.
"There used to be a Marine Park post. We hope the authorities, such as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency or the Marine Department, will consider re-establishing a permanent security post here,” she said.
Sabinah also shared that the Mersing District Office and the Yayasan Johor Corporation had provided food supplies to help residents prepare for periods of disrupted sea connectivity caused by rough weather last year.
"I hope the proposal to establish a security post will be given prompt consideration to ensure the safety of the community and to instil confidence among tourists in the level of preparedness in these high-risk waters,” she added.
A trader, Masita Md Ali, 75, said she has to stock up on supplies ahead of the monsoon season, as there is no way of knowing how long sea routes will be disrupted by bad weather.
"When the winds are strong, boats can’t operate, so we have to stock up on groceries… otherwise, it becomes difficult for residents to buy essential items like cooking oil, flour and sugar.
"A security post would not only enhance safety but also help coordinate the delivery of supplies in case of an emergency or delays caused by unpredictable sea conditions,” she said.
Tourist Azzyati Hanisah Che Alias, 35, said the absence of a permanent enforcement presence on the island is a cause for concern, especially given the island's distance from the mainland and the unpredictable weather.
"The scenery is magnificent, peaceful, and perfect for a getaway… but when we heard there’s no permanent security post here, we were worried.
"What if an emergency or untoward incident were to happen at sea?
"Safety is a key factor in attracting tourists, especially with the boat journey taking nearly two hours.
"It would also help position Pulau Aur as an international-standard destination in terms of preparedness and emergency management,” said the first-time visitor to the island. – Bernama
