KUALA TERENGGANU, Malaysia June 30, 2025 — A devastating boat accident in Pulau Perhentian has claimed three lives and injured nine others, prompting outrage and a call for immediate action from Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing. The minister expressed deep frustration over the incident, which exposed serious lapses in safety regulations by the involved tourism agency and boat operator.
Preliminary investigations revealed multiple violations, including the boat operating with an expired license since April, failure to ensure passengers wore life jackets, and a shocking discovery that the boat operator tested positive for drugs following a urine test. The operator, who has a history of five prior drug-related offenses, was deemed unfit to ensure passenger safety, raising questions about the agency’s hiring practices.
“I am appalled that such an individual was entrusted with passengers’ lives. This is gross negligence that endangers human safety,” Tiong said, issuing a stern warning to tourism operators: “Profits cannot come at the expense of tourist safety.” He highlighted how recurring incidents tarnish Malaysia’s tourism reputation, with some foreign governments issuing travel advisories against certain destinations, threatening the industry’s long-term viability.
New Driver Monitoring System Proposed
To address systemic issues, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) is working to reclaim regulatory oversight of tourism-related transport from the Transport Ministry. Once approved, MOTAC plans to overhaul the regulatory framework to reduce tour bus and maritime accidents.
A key initiative includes implementing a Driver Monitoring System, coupled with mandatory drug testing, to ensure drivers and operators are physically and mentally fit. Additionally, tour buses and boats will undergo regular maintenance and inspections to prevent mechanical failures.
Tiong emphasized the urgency of these measures, citing feedback from foreign ministers and industry representatives during his overseas visits. “They stressed the need for Malaysia to raise tourism safety standards. We must act decisively to restore global confidence in our tourism sector,” he urged.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) has been directed to intensify monitoring of maritime activities, while MOTAC conducts a thorough investigation into the Pulau Perhentian tragedy. Tiong called on all tourism stakeholders to cooperate fully in ensuring safer travel experiences for all visitors.