The banning of water sports activities is certainly not the answer to preventing accidents along Penang beaches.

BN's Bukit Bendera division coordinator Hng Chee Wey called instead for proper regulations and zoning areas for water sports in the Batu Ferringhi tourism belt for the safety of all beach users.

Hng, who is also Penang Gerakan Youth secretary, said banning water sports activities in Batu Ferringhi is not the right solution as water sports is an integral part of the beach and the sea there.

coastline 260906 beach "What we certainly need at the beaches of Penang are proper regulations and enforcement of safety procedures," he said.

"We should have demarcated areas for water sports, away from swimmers and other beach users."

Hng's response came in the wake of the water sports being temporarily banned by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP).

State exco for local government, traffic management and environment Chow Kon Yeow said he had directed the MPPP to speed up restructuring activities in the tourist area.

Zoning proposal to be worked out

Chow said MPPP president Patahiyah Ismail would meet water sports operators on Friday to work out a zoning proposal for the area.

"Meanwhile, MPPP will continue to enforce the temporary ban on horse-riding, quadbike riding and water sports activities," he said.

"The ban will allow the MPPP to engage with all stakeholders, work on the installation of safety buoys and nettings and the licensing of beach operators," Chow added.

The ban followed an accident in which Chinese national Zhu Li, 47, fractured both her legs when a water scooter that went out of control rammed into her as she was strolling along the beach.

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

Hng called on the state authority to strictly enforce safety procedures, saying that licensing water sports activities should come with insurance procedures and the proper dos and don'ts.