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New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Pulau Perhentian deaths indicate lack of marine safety, says Lam Thye
KUALA LUMPUR: The Pulau Perhentian boat capsizing that claimed three lives highlights a persistent failure to enforce basic marine safety, said Alliance For A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. "Over the past couple of months, there have been few such incidents in rough weather and boat passengers have drowned, many of whom were not wearing life jackets," he said today. Lee added that the responsibility for safety lay with the boat's skipper, who must make it clear to passengers what measures were required, especially on the wearing of a life jacket. Lee said the incident in Pulau Perhentian reflected a wider issue in Malaysia's maritime tourism. "The general level of safety awareness is still poor. Passengers have not embraced a safety culture. More must be done to promote this culture among boat users," he added. Lee called for stricter enforcement and accountability with random checks and penalties on boat operators, such as warnings and licence suspension. "Too many drownings occur because people are not wearing life jackets. This keeps happening, and it's unacceptable," he added. Lee also urged the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry to treat the issue with urgency, especially with Visit Malaysia 2026 looming on the horizon. "The safety of every tourist, whether local or foreign, must be safeguarded in Malaysia," he added. He also expressed deep concern over reports that the boat skipper had tested positive for drugs. "It is strange and alarming that someone with a history of drug use and multiple offences was still allowed to operate a boat. "We should never permit skippers or drivers with a bad record to continue operating. It poses a real danger to the public. It is high time something is done to stop this," Lee said. Yesterday, three people drowned and one was admitted to hospital in critical condition after a boat capsized off Pulau Perhentian . Besut police chief Superintendent Azamuddin Ahmad@Abu said the incident was believed to have occurred following a storm in front of a resort at 11pm. He added that initial investigations showed that all passengers were not wearing life jackets. Earlier today, the skipper was arrested after testing positive for drugs.
New Straits Times
27-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Enhance enforcement, prosecution to curb haj, umrah package scams - Mohd Na'im
KUALA LUMPUR: The enforcement and prosecution of fraudulent haj and umrah packages must be stepped up and carried out more decisively, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said tougher prosecution and harsher penalties could serve as a lesson to offenders and help prevent similar incidents in the future. Mohd Na'im said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the body overseeing haj affairs, has no mandate to initiate legal action. "I believe enforcement is crucial. We've established a special task force involving the police, the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry, and TH, but under the TH Act, they've no enforcement powers. "TH can only lodge a police report, after which the prosecution will take action. "So, while there are already prosecutions and fairly heavy penalties, what we need now is stronger enforcement and firmer prosecution," he told reporters after the national-level Maal Hijrah 2025 celebrations at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here today. Mohd Na'im said any TH-licensed company found to be involved in fraud will have its licence revoked, adding that ministry holds similar powers over umrah agencies. Citing Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement measures, he said the country has successfully prevented the entry of haj pilgrims without valid visas through extensive monitoring and operations. "I had a discussion this morning with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah, who informed me that the ministry implemented stricter enforcement this year, including mounting raids on hotels and accommodation premises," he said. Media reports cited the harrowing experience faced by 47 Malaysian senior citizens who were duped by an agent and forced to take dangerous routes to reach Makkah after they arrived in Jeddah to perform the haj. It was confirmed that the company linked to the fraud involving 47 haj pilgrims did not possess a valid licence or accreditation as a Haj Pilgrimage Operator (PJH), authorised to manage pilgrimage arrangements. In April, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced penalties for individuals and parties who violate haj permit regulations, including a 10-year ban from entering the country. – Bernama
