Wednesday, June 22, 2016
By Olivia Miwil
STRUCTURED: It will save tourists the hassle of haggling with boatmen
KOTA KINABALU: A structured fee system is expected to be implemented for tout boats soon.
A government initiative to this effect may be adopted nationwide to save tourists from having to haggle with boatmen.
The Tourism and Culture Ministry has embarked on a pilot project in Semporna to paint tour boats white and green for easier identification, apart from discouraging tourists from engaging with illegal boat operators.
Semporna-based boat operator Rudolph Koh said yesterday the move would boost the standard of tour operations and discipline boat owners, as well as to provide guests with more confidence.
"Operators are all for the idea because it will make it easier and curb the presence of touts offering services with boats that are not seaworthy," said Koh.
In a recent seminar on the tourism industry by the ministry here, state Tourism director Awang Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar said about 140 tour would sport the white and green colors, as well as be catalogued in Semporna.
"The colors are similar to those of registered tour vehicles on the road. It is for easier identification, helps eliminate touts and provides for better security at sea.
"We will focus on local communities to undertake the concept," said Zaki, adding that this was discussed during a meeting between the ministry, local authorities in Semporna , Eastern Sabah Security Command and police earlier this month.
Marine attractions in Sabah are bestsellers, and with three marine national parks- Tunku Abdul Rahman here, Tun Mustapha Park in Kudat and Tun Sakaran Park in Semporna- they will remain a popular itinerary for visitors to the state.
By Olivia Miwil
STRUCTURED: It will save tourists the hassle of haggling with boatmen
KOTA KINABALU: A structured fee system is expected to be implemented for tout boats soon.
A government initiative to this effect may be adopted nationwide to save tourists from having to haggle with boatmen.
The Tourism and Culture Ministry has embarked on a pilot project in Semporna to paint tour boats white and green for easier identification, apart from discouraging tourists from engaging with illegal boat operators.
Semporna-based boat operator Rudolph Koh said yesterday the move would boost the standard of tour operations and discipline boat owners, as well as to provide guests with more confidence.
"Operators are all for the idea because it will make it easier and curb the presence of touts offering services with boats that are not seaworthy," said Koh.
In a recent seminar on the tourism industry by the ministry here, state Tourism director Awang Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar said about 140 tour would sport the white and green colors, as well as be catalogued in Semporna.
"The colors are similar to those of registered tour vehicles on the road. It is for easier identification, helps eliminate touts and provides for better security at sea.
"We will focus on local communities to undertake the concept," said Zaki, adding that this was discussed during a meeting between the ministry, local authorities in Semporna , Eastern Sabah Security Command and police earlier this month.
Marine attractions in Sabah are bestsellers, and with three marine national parks- Tunku Abdul Rahman here, Tun Mustapha Park in Kudat and Tun Sakaran Park in Semporna- they will remain a popular itinerary for visitors to the state.
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