Island-hopping is one of the tourism activities helping to generate income for resort owners and boat operators in Mersing.
Tourism players in Mersing, Johor, want the state government’s help to introduce programmes to promote and attract visitors to the district before the monsoon season kicks in at the end of October.
Shaz Resort Pulau Tinggi owner Datuk Md Zairi Zainal said the recent National Day holiday was a boon for all resort owners on the islands.
He said they received a huge number of bookings for family day events and team building during the school holidays between Aug 25 and Sept 2.
“But despite this positive support, it still cannot compare to the time before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“So we are hoping for the government’s help in organising programmes before the islands here close for the coming monsoon,” Md Zairi said when contacted.
He said people were more prudent in spending their money when on holiday due to the high cost of living.
“Not everyone can afford a holiday and it has become expensive.
“As such, we are hoping for government intervention so that everyone can afford to come to Mersing for a break,” he added.
Teluk Penyabong Resort Mersing senior manager Fahmi Abd Malik said they were so busy during the recent holiday period that some walk-in customers had to be turned away.
“A majority of the bookings were done online, so walk-in customers were told to go to neighbouring resorts where there was room.
“The support was overwhelming, and I believe Mersing’s tourism players benefitted,” he said, adding that island-hopping tours were fully booked too.
Fahmi said the high footfall had shed light on the need to improve facilities in the district.
“Most important are parking bays. Penyabong is cramped with resorts and the parking space at the jetty is limited, allowing for only a few cars and buses to park there,” he said.
“Even places such as Teluk Buih and Teluk Gorek, which are popular these days, are in need of parking bays and a proper place for roadside vendors to carry out their trade,” he added.
Mersing Tourism Association secretary Ahmad Firdaus Shaik Omar said the price of island-hopping tickets remained the same despite claims on social media of an increase.
“The price is between RM160 and RM180 per person for five island trips to Pulau Harimau, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Hujung, Pulau Tengah and Pulau Besar.
“The price is inclusive of the Mersing Tourism Operating System (MeTOS) and marine park fees,” he said, adding that some island tour operators would offer further discounts.
On the incident where a boat hull exploded after being hit by strong waves, Ahmad Firdaus said it was an isolated case involving villagers on Pulau Tinggi.
“There were 10 people on the boat where two victims fractured their legs. They were going to the island to harvest durian for customers.
“But the boat could not handle the extra load, so the hull broke after it was hit by waves,” said Ahmad Firdaus.
