Terengganu MB is chasing tourists away

[buzzlie]

Letter to The StarWITH due respect, the Mentri Besar of Terengganu’s decision to turn Pulau Redang into a high-end holiday destination where only wealthy individuals will be able to afford holidays really disheartens me.At an ostentatious minimum rate of US$500 (RM1,599) a night, I’m sure a majority of Malaysians won’t be able to visit the island in future.By doing so, the Mentri Besar is forcing local and foreign tourists to go to other destinations.Some might be oblivious to the fact that the waters around the island contain two historic shipwrecks — that of the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse.The sinking of these ships were an important historical event that brought about the start of World War II, thus beginning the chapter of the Japanese occupancy in Malaya.By gazetting the area as an elite destination for the rich and famous, most Malaysians will be kept away from a part of their nation’s historical legacy.It was stated that those with budget constraints can visit other islands instead of Pulau Redang which has been listed as the 10th most beautiful island in the world.Does this mean that Malaysians from the lower and middle-income families only deserve second best?It is indeed a sad day when we see elitism being practised openly in Malaysia!CHESTER CHIN,Kuala Selangor.

 

[Don Franco]

Totally agree with you there. The excuse that they are giving is lack of sanitation, poor tourist accommodation, and low quality of service. Also they claim that the corals are not being properly cared for and and dying.

All these excuses can be overcome with the help of the state govt themselves. As i diver, I have seen the damage caused by pollution and indiscriminate dumping of rubbish by the fishing boats. Education, awareness and strict enforcement by the authorities can help improve the situation.

Open sewage is an issue. Why cant the local govt build a sewage treatment plant for the islands? Educate and train the locals in managing a proper business, with efficient customer care?

Former Minister Sheik Kadir has already set up two 5 star tourist resorts on Lang Tengah. They have blocked off certain dive spots already so that the corals can spawn again, while awaiting for the rich tourists to come scuba diving. They have also stopped issuing licenses to any chalet operators on the island. So all mid class and low class tourist can only watch these beautiful dive and snorkeling spots with beautiful beaches from afar. Makes you wonder , who are behind these 5 star resorts...

Meanwhile the average citizens of Malaysia, will have to flock to the other so called beautiful islands, with dying corals, dingy chalets with crap service, and sewage spilling into the sea...

 

[VKS]

I'd rather spend my nights at Hard Rock Hotel,Penang with less then RM500..

 

[vish]

i read about this in the papers, completely ridiculous...the reason cited by the Menteri Besar was that by building 5-star hotels/accommodation there would be reduced pollution on the island due to the fact that it would become more exclusive

since when is building luxury hotels environmentally friendly? :stupid:

 

[zamtresco]

Am not surprised... just another add on to his stupid decision making during his tenure as a MB

 

[dzuljazz2001]

Am not surprised... just another add on to his stupid decision making during his tenure as a MB

:smokin: positive thinking bro ... he can proposed wht he wants but at the end of the day, its not his call. The Rakyat has voiced their sentiments and hopefully will determine the outcome of the P Redang issue .....the Sultan and our PM has also shows some concern of this "not so bright" idea too...:smokin:

 

[Traveler]

At RM1600/night, I would rather fly to Bali, and spend my hard-earned $$ on a top 5/6-star resort there; whilst contributing to the Indonesian economy. It will probably end up costing me less than RM1600/night, even after factoring the air fare and the daily car+driver hire. It's sad that my own country is pricing itself out of my affordability range and forcing me to spend my time and money supporting another country's economy.

 

[vish]

i was shocked when i went to redang with my friends in 2008 and found that i could see all the way to the sea bed after getting so used to pd's mud...where else in this country can you swim 50 meters out and see turtles, baby sharks, etc...one morning the divers even encountered a whale shark less than 200 meters away from the shore

 

[Don Franco]

i was shocked when i went to redang with my friends in 2008 and found that i could see all the way to the sea bed after getting so used to pd's mud...where else in this country can you swim 50 meters out and see turtles, baby sharks, etc...one morning the divers even encountered a whale shark less than 200 meters away from the shore

Yes mate there is still some paradise left in Malaysia. Take up scuba diving and see more :smokin:

There are a few divers in da club

 

[initialM]

At RM1600/night, I would rather fly to Bali, and spend my hard-earned $$ on a top 5/6-star resort there; whilst contributing to the Indonesian economy. It will probably end up costing me less than RM1600/night, even after factoring the air fare and the daily car+driver hire. It's sad that my own country is pricing itself out of my affordability range and forcing me to spend my time and money supporting another country's economy.

Bapak suda bisa jadi Jutawan di sana:smokin:

 

[Jay Bigbang]

Bapak suda bisa jadi Jutawan di sana:smokin:

Bapak clitnitialM juga bisa jd Jutawan disana. Kapan bapak mau ke Djakarta atau ke Bandung? Jgn asyik ke Batam aja, bapak yaa.

 

[initialM]

Bapak clitnitialM juga bisa jd Jutawan disana. Kapan bapak mau ke Djakarta atau ke Bandung? Jgn asyik ke Batam aja, bapak yaa.

Kalau mau kain kapan ngak perlu ke Jakarta atau Bandung. Disini juga adaa, Bapak Ayam Jay:smokin:

 

[vish]

Yes mate there is still some paradise left in Malaysia. Take up scuba diving and see more :smokin:

There are a few divers in da club

hmmm got ah...i should start a thread for that

 

[sithwarrior]

Don,

Here's an idea for a group activity. You should start an initiative for a group dive class. I mean for those who are interested. It would be good. Have packages for swimmers and non swimmers. Instead of bickering and bitching like school girls (in previous threads), perhaps everyone should just get together and do something positively fun.

Cheers