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

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 27 — Officials are seeking answers on tourist safety at Mengalum Island following a snorkelling-related death of a Chinese tourist on September 23. Warisan vice-president Datuk Junz Wong emphasized the need for the police investigation to continue, but also highlighted broader concerns about the monitoring and regulation of tourism activities on the island.

He advocated for better coordination among various agencies, including Kota Kinabalu City Hall, the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department, the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, and Motac. Junz questioned whether tourism facilities and activities on the island had the required approvals and if safety procedures were correctly implemented.

He urged the DBKK to clarify its procedures for operators utilizing the public jetty, including verification of licences and approvals. Samuel Wong, an Luyang assemblyman, called for a separate review of the land status and tourism facilities at Mengalum, separate from the police investigation. He emphasized the necessity of confirming if the land, structures, jetties, and facilities possessed the necessary permits.

Both officials urged a comprehensive inspection of operators serving Mengalum Island, and requested the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department to clarify the status of Temporary Occupation Licences and land occupation. They also advocated for an examination of previous safety incidents at Mengalum to identify recurring issues. The officials stressed the importance of every agency fulfilling its responsibility and addressing any regulatory or safety gaps to prevent further tragedies.