Who checks tourist safety at Mengalum? Sabah reps seek answers after snorkelling death

Kota Kinabalu, Sept 27 — Calls have been made for a thorough examination of tourist safety protocols, land status and regulatory oversight at Mengalum Island following the tragic death of a Chinese tourist during a snorkelling excursion on September 23. Warisan vice-president Datuk Junz Wong urged authorities to allow the police investigation to proceed, but stressed the need to address broader concerns about how tourism activities on the island are monitored and regulated.

He argued that tourist safety should not be the sole responsibility of one agency and called for enhanced coordination among Kota Kinabalu City Hall, the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department, the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, and other relevant bodies. Junz emphasized that the issue extends beyond the boat operator's licensing, questioning whether the tourism activities and facilities at the destination meet necessary approvals and safety procedures.

He called on the City Hall to clarify its procedures for operators using its public jetty, including the verification of licences and approvals before tourists are transported to the island. Any discrepancies in the responsibilities of various agencies should be identified and addressed, with a focus on preventive measures rather than reactive actions, he said.

Luyang assemblyman Samuel Wong echoed similar sentiments, stating that the land status and tourism facilities at Mengalum should be clarified separately from the police investigation. While not suggesting a direct link between the land status or Temporary Occupation Licence and the tourist's death, he urged authorities to verify whether the land, structures, jetties, and tourism facilities had the necessary approvals.

Samuel emphasized that authorities should also verify if tourists received adequate safety briefings, appropriate safety equipment, and sufficient trained personnel to monitor activities and respond to emergencies. Both Wong and Samuel called for a review of past safety incidents at Mengalum to identify any recurring weaknesses, stressing that the death of a tourist is deeply concerning and should prompt a comprehensive review of the existing tourism safety and enforcement system.

All agencies must understand and fulfill their responsibilities, and any regulatory or safety gaps must be addressed to prevent further tragedies, they concluded.