Visitors no longer find seaside getaway appealing

GEORGE TOWN: English holidaymakers Domonick and Marrianne Finnigan who recently stayed in Batu Ferringhi said they did not enjoy their evening walk.

“The walkways aren’t properly built and are uneven.

‘At some parts, there are no walkways and we have to walk by the roadside,” said Domonick, 78.

“The last time we came here was three years ago. We don’t see much of a change. I believe the authorities can do better,” said Marrianne, 74.

Local visitor C.C. Cheng, 48, said she loved visiting the area because of the beaches.

“But sadly, the public amenities there are poorly maintained and could pose a danger to the users,” the teacher from Ipoh said.

Rasa Sayang Resort communication director Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman warned tourists were more discerning and Batu Ferringhi could lose its appeal.

“Our guests have been all over the world and many of them tell us their experience here is not good.

“We hope the government will think deeper when it comes to Batu Ferringhi; don’t just fix problems as they come but help to make it a wonder for tourists,” he said.

Suleiman said hoteliers planned to form an action group that would include local government officials.

Citing an example, he pointed out the need for a speed table at the stretch along Rasa Sayang Resort.

“After the winding way from Tanjung Bungah, cars tend to speed up when they reach the straight road outside our resort and accidents have happened.

“Tourists come from countries where pedestrians are kings.

“They don’t know our road culture. Some are senior citizens.

“We have to make sure that cars do not speed when they enter the tourist belt,” he said.

Early this year, the Batu Ferringhi tourist belt was rated only one star on TripAdvisor because of dog attacks on visitors.

Since last year, hoteliers along the beach have reported several such attacks on their guests with one incident on Oct 8 resulting in a victim needing four stitches and two anti-tetanus jabs.