The sandy beaches and coral reefs of both east and west Malaysia attract both local and international tourists.

The islanders and those living in towns on the coast provide the much-needed services in the hospitality, entertainment and transport trade, and with short island breaks bringing in much needed revenue for the tourist industry, we sometimes wonder if marine safety is strictly enforced.

Three weeks ago, on the night of 28 June, a boat ferrying 16 people including the boatman, capsized off the coast of Pulau Perhentian Besar, after it was pummeled by strong waves.

In the ensuing melee, three people drowned and one child was left in critical condition.

The incident happened at 11 pm when the boat was hit by a storm.

Anyone who has been on a small boat, when it is pitch black outside, whilst being tossed around by surging waves, with the wind and rain howling around you, will have been terrified. More so, if the person is not wearing a life jacket, is a non-swimmer, or is responsible for many children.

That Saturday night, the group of local tourists comprising four families from Butterworth, Penang, had taken a boat ride to have dinner at Perhentian Kecil, which is the smaller of the Perhentian islands.

Tragedy struck on their return journey back to their resort.

What we learn from the incident is that it is an all too familiar scenario, in the country, and it does not matter if it is a major traffic accident on land, or at sea.

The resulting investigation, findings, recommendations and follow up are all predictable.

After the initial flurry and burst of activity, things will soon return to normal, till the next major accident, when the whole process is repeated, ad infinitum.

After the accident, we keep asking ourselves the same questions. Why have no lessons been learnt? Why do we keep repeating our mistakes?

A few people may get punished and just like major accidents on the highways, the same also applies on the water. Why? Frighteningly, there are many disturbing similarities with this case at Perhentian, and many previous tragedies.

In the first instance, the boatman failed to provide life jackets despite repeated requests.

A. Sanggetha, whose husband and daughter drowned, said that they were worried about the looming storm, and being concerned for their children’s safety, had asked the boatman for life jackets.

Instead, he told the group that the lifejackets were wet and the boat ride was only a short 10- to 15-minute trip.

Following the incident, Admiral Maritime Mohd Rosli Abdullah, the director-general of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) pledged a thorough investigation, covering the boat’s licensing, its cargo and adherence to regulations.

It is unsurprising, and mirrors the majority of fatal crashes on our highways, that the boat driver involved had tested positive for drugs.

According to Superintendent Azamuddin Ahmad @ Abu of the Besut police, the 22-year-old boat driver who had five prior drug-related offences, was arrested to assist in the investigations.

As the boat was damaged in the storm, the Marine Department Eastern Region deputy director, Mohamad Halizam Samsuri, said that the boat’s license and the boat driver’s license were revoked.

He confirmed that a committee had been formed, under Section 334 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, to investigate the tragedy and determine its exact cause.

Terengganu police chief, Mohd Khairi Khairuddin said, “Our investigation is focused on the incident itself, to determine whether any criminal elements contributed to it.

“Other aspects, such as boat or license violations, fall under the jurisdiction of the Marine Department.”

Besut’s police chief, Azamuddin, told reporters that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets when the boat capsized.

He reminded the public to prioritize safety while on holiday and urged boat operators to follow all regulations, especially the mandatory use of life jackets.

Perhaps the police chief is unaware that many passengers do prioritize safety but when they pay for their tickets, either online or at the counter, they only realize that the life jackets are missing, when they board the boat.

They could demand a refund and find another boat to transport them, but in Malaysia, refunds are like herding cats. Its impossible.

More importantly, what happened to enforcement? Terengganu police chief, Mohd Khari said that boat or license violations are the Marine Department’s responsibility.

So, how often are checks carried out by the Marine Department? What is the punishment for failing to strictly adhere to the regulations? A slap on the knuckles will not suffice.

As in previous marine accidents, deaths and serious injuries have occurred. If enforcement and stiff penalties are not carried out, accidents will be repeated.

In my numerous trips to Perhentian, some boat operators provide adult life-jackets for children.

This is unacceptable and unsafe. It is like asking a child to wear an adult motor-cycle helmet (or a toy one). There is no protection.

Previous reports have indicated widespread drug use among boat and coach drivers.

Does Putrajaya have the political will to come up with a solution, and resolve this serious and growing problem, of people in key roles, like drivers who are responsible for people’s lives, being repeat drug offenders and heavy drug users?

More importantly, when will the Marine Department stop sleeping on the job and start proper, regular enforcement?

Source:

1. New Straits Times: Boat capsizes off Pulau Perhentian, 3 dead

(Mariam Mokhtar is a Freelance Writer.)