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I refer to the Malaysiakini report, Ferry survivors likely to sue .

We not only see dangerous neglect and compromises on safety on the road but are now seeing such dangers emerge from the sea too. The case of the ferry that burnt and sank while ferrying at least 100 passengers from the popular tourist destination of Pulau Tioman to the east coast port of Mersing, brings to the fore several serious issues.

The authorities' attempting to explain how or why the ferry was raised and sank is the least of the important issues. What we need to address is, why are we compromising on safety on public transportation all so often - both on land and sea?

We had only recently seen how innocent passengers perished in the bus crash - only to find out that the driver had numerous unsettled summons and the bus still plying the routes. Now, we see the same symptoms even at sea. The ferry that burnt and which could have taken many more lives, was seemingly operating even long after its permit had expired in December 2006.

This definitely raises the single, all-important burning issue of why or what were the authorities doing all this while?

Some quarters may be quick to point the finger at the greedy operators and businessmen, rightly stating that these recalcitrants who would do anything and everything to make money. But any such claims and explanations is tantamount to sweeping the real issues under the carpet.

What we need to address is: Why is it so easy for such greedy, careless and totally inconsiderate businessmen to go on making money at the expense of the customers' lives and safety? How is it that both road and sea transporters can so courageously operate their business even when they know that they do not have the permit to do so?

These then are the real burning issues that beg an urgent and seriously honest answer. The leaders of the respective authoritative and responsible government departments and or agencies must get to the bottom. Trying to explain the reasons for the tragedy will be like trying to pull wool over the people's eyes.

If we are serious about attracting and keeping the tourists than we must stop pretending. Surely we do not want to be branded globally for horrible safety at sea too. As it is, we are already known across the globe for our dangerous and mad driving on the highways and state roads - especially the express buses and other commercial vehicles.

It therefore calls for a serious re-look at the realities and for the authorities to be prepared to act without fear or favour. Otherwise, this burning ferry will only be the start of more sea tragedies to come - just like the many road accidents we already are now all too vulnerable to.

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