Safety regulations urgently needed in adventure tourism industry

 

From Concerned Tourism Operators in Gopeng

The government should conduct a comprehensive review of the adventure tourism industry with a view to tightening safety measures.

Among others, there is a need to audit operators’ SOPs to prevent tragedies, and to find ways to regulate them.

We are saddened but not surprised by the recent tragedy as reported by FMT, titled 3 drown during JKR team-building programme and Recreational, water sports activities in Kampar suspended after tragedy.

The tragic event on Nov 15 was the “ticking time bomb” we had been anticipating. It has happened before. In 2019, another civil servant met a similar fate. These deaths could have been prevented.

Gopeng, once a pristine eco-tourism destination, has seen an influx of unqualified operators and rapid development, leading to environmental damage.

From our observation, inexperienced operators seeking to profit from Gopeng’s growing economy are ignoring the serious risks to both human life and the environment.

Financial and safety risks

Pressure to maximise profits often leads to cutting corners, such as allowing overcrowding on rafts. Safety standards require that the maximum number of persons on each raft does not exceed six.

Does being cheap in the adventure industry equate to safety? There are instances when procurement processes tend to prioritise cost over safety.

On the part of operators, the drive for profit is closely tied to several other red flags.

Substandard safety equipment

Some operators use personal flotation devices (PFDs) that are unsuitable, substandard or have passed their safety limit.

A properly functioning PFD keeps the victim’s head above water and enables them to breathe, even in rough white-water conditions. PFDs designed for marine or ocean use may not work well in white water due to different buoyancy factors.

The wrong type of PFD can fail, as seen in both the 2019 and 2024 incidents.

Certain operators reduce their rates to attract customers, which leads to cost-cutting on safety gear. Since the adventure industry’s safety equipment is often imported and expensive, the question arises: who pays the price, and who regulates what should be used?

Lack of regulation on SOPs

Standard operating procedures and common sense were lacking in this case. While many operators would cancel or postpone trips due to high water levels, some proceed despite the risks.

It is crucial to note that no established regulations or guidelines dictate when trips should be cancelled based on water conditions.

It is widely known that in the Sungai Kampar area, floods frequently occur from about 4pm during the northeast monsoon season, a pattern that has persisted for years.

It is believed that the participants in the tragic Nov 15 incident had only pushed off at about 5pm, coinciding with the known flood risk period.

Lack of competency among guides

Incompetent and inexperienced guides pose a significant risk, as they are not trained to respond in emergencies. However, there are no regulations governing guide competency.

Proper river guides are well-trained in boat handling and, more importantly, in rescue techniques. Guides who are new to rafting may lack the skills needed in critical situations.

Training qualified guides is costly, as certification programmes – often from the US – are expensive. Experienced, certified guides are also costlier to hire.

But it is essential to have experienced and certified guides to ensure the safety of participants. There can be no compromise on this matter.

Need for dedicated rescue team

While government agencies were present to help, they were mostly involved only in recovery efforts and not for active rescue.

River guides, who know the area best, should be part of a dedicated rescue team, similar to those in ski resorts in other countries.

Damage to Gopeng’s reputation as eco-tourism destination

These tragedies are slowly damaging Gopeng’s reputation as a pristine eco-tourism destination. The temporary suspension of water sports by the authorities has also hurt businesses that provide services for outdoor activities, resorts, transportation and food outlets.

We urge the authorities to address the issues in the area. The adventure industry in Malaysia is unregulated, much like the camping sector before the 2022 Batang Kali landslide tragedy that claimed 31 lives.

Two years later, camp operators are finally starting to get licensed, but quicker action is required.

We take safety seriously and self-regulate to avoid accidents. We welcome proper regulation in the outdoor and adventure industry and believe experts are ready to help formulate these rules.

If the authorities don’t act, more tragedies are likely.

As Gopeng becomes more important as an eco-tourism hub, we urge the authorities to take action to ensure its safety and sustainability for future generations.

If successful, these regulations can be applied to other areas of Malaysia. - FMT

The tourism operators in Gopeng are a group of hotel owners, transport providers, food and beverage businesses, and adventure operators, all concerned about local developments.

The views expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.