Barisan Nasional Bukit Bendera coordinator Hng Chee Wey has called for a proper regulation and proper zoning area for water sports in the tourism belt of Batu Ferringhi to protect safety of all beach users.

In a statement, Hng, who is also Penang Gerakan Youth secretary, said banning water sports activities in Batu Ferringhi is not a good solution as water sports is integral for beaches and the sea.

“What we certainly need in the beaches in Penang is proper regulation and enforcement of safety procedures. We should have proper demarcated areas for water sports away from swimmers and other beach users,” he said, referring to the Penang state government’s temporary ban on such activities.

Urging the state authority to impose strict enforcement of safety procedures, Hng said licensing water sports activities would come with insurance procedures and the dos and don’ts.

Thus, he said, those who broke the rules should face the law and be penalized.

He said water sports activities were allowed in beaches elsewhere worldwide, together with proper regulation and strict enforcement of safety procedures.

However, despite the temporary ban, water sports operators at Batu Ferringhi are still operating para-sailing and water scooter activities.

The ban came about following an incident when Chinese national Zhu Li, 47, fractured both her legs when an out-of-control water scooter rammed into her while she was strolling on the beach.