PORT DICKSON: Pantai Telok Kemang has undergone a transformation as the Port Dickson Municipal Council has replaced the blue canopies with more attractive beach umbrellas, involving an allocation of RM224,532.
State local government development, housing and transport committee chairman J Arul Kumar said 33 plots for the umbrellas had been prepared at Pantai Batu 2 and Batu 3 in Telok Kemang, covering 600 metres out of the 1.2-kilometre stretch of the beach.
He said each plot has eight umbrellas, eight tables, and 16 chairs, which will be set up daily from 8am until late evening and must be packed and taken home by the operators.
"These beach umbrellas are more beautiful, appealing, and organised, and they don’t obstruct the view. Soon, we can see Port Dickson Beach with a new image that gives Indonesia’s Bali vibes.
"We have set a maximum rental price of RM50 for these umbrellas, but it’s up to the operators to set their rental rates. This initiative will surely attract more visitors who want to experience the sea view vibes like overseas destinations,” he told reporters at the handing over ceremony of beach umbrellas to operators at Pantai Telok Kemang, here Friday (Jan 10).
Also present were the State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Nicole Tan Lee Koon and council president Hasnor Abd Hamid.
Arul said the council had issued a notice effective Nov 18, 2024, to cease operations of the blue canopy rental business at three main beaches: Pantai Telok Kemang, Pantai Cermin and Pantai Tanjung Biru. Operators were also prohibited from starting any new businesses.
However, he clarified that for now, only operators at Pantai Telok Kemang are permitted to operate the rental of beach umbrellas.
"This method will be monitored for six months, and if there are still violations of the conditions or lack of control, the initiative will be cancelled immediately, and a complete ban will be enforced,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Fazdley Mohd Nasir, 40, a long-time operator who has been running his family business for 30 years, said the usage of the new beach umbrellas is more attractive and relaxing and will help to draw more visitors.
A visitor from Kuala Lumpur, Mohd Fizran Rosli, 24, said the transformation initiated by the state government was impressive as visitors feel as though they are at a beach overseas. - Bernama
