No free seats: Tourists and locals at the controversial ‘rent to sit’ tables at Tanjung Aru.
KOTA KINABALU: Incidents of women going topless and tour bus operators flouting the rules are affecting the image of the city’s Tanjung Aru Beach, famed for its sunsets.
The issue was highlighted by Tanjung Aru Eco-Development Sdn Bhd (TAED) general manager Jake Jikulin Nointin amid a controversy in which traders were charging RM20 to rent tables and chairs on the beach.
“We seek the public’s cooperation by being respectful of our image and not going topless at the beach,” he said in a statement yesterday without elaborating.
“TAED strives to provide a welcoming environment for all visitors. We cannot tolerate behaviour that disrupts the public’s enjoyment and is damaging to public amenities,” he added.
He assured the public that they would be given free access to Tanjung Aru Beach and Prince Philip Park, but they needed to respect the space and other beachgoers.
Nointin said TAED was also disappointed with the irresponsible behaviour of certain tour bus operators who were flouting the rules and regulations over the use of parking spaces at Tanjung Aru Beach and Prince Philip Park.
“It has come to our attention that some tour buses are refusing to utilise the designated parking areas to avoid paying the RM10 entrance fee and instead opting to drop off passengers by the roadside.
“This not only creates significant traffic congestion but also poses a safety hazard to pedestrians and other motorists,” he added.
Nointin said the environmental impact of such actions contributes to road wear and tear.
“The road damage caused by these buses ultimately falls on the shoulders of TAED through increased maintenance costs.”
He said TAED may be forced to implement stricter measures, including restricting access to large tour buses.
