SEREMBAN – The public is urged to respect the ban on setting up public tents at 11 beaches in the district.
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said that the regulation was implemented to prevent undesirable issues such as cleanliness problems and immoral activities.
"For me, we are always open (to feedback) and I hope the public respects the regulations that have been established.
"If there were no rules, it would be even more difficult. If, suddenly, a rape case occurs in a tent, the local authorities (PBT) and the Menteri Besar will be blamed for allowing it," he said when met by reporters at the Handover Ceremony of the New Mosque Project in Taman Bukit Kepayang on Monday night.
He said that the authorities had tried to resolve the long-standing complaints about blue tents by prohibiting tent installations at the beaches.
However, Aminuddin expressed disappointment over the dissatisfaction regarding the tent ban imposed by the Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD), which has even led to calls to boycott the tourist area.
"In the past, people said that if blue tents were still allowed, they would boycott. But now, when we say no tents at all, they still want to boycott.
"So which one should I follow? I really don't know. But we can't just make decisions on a whim—one day, tents are allowed, the next day they’re not," he said.
The Port Dickson Member of Parliament emphasised the importance of raising public awareness that beaches belong to everyone, while also considering the livelihood of local traders.
"If we boycott, we are only harming our own people. Local traders provide tents, yet we attack them, while outsiders can come anytime they want.
"Don't act on emotions; instead, we should consider safety, suitability, manners, and the overall atmosphere," he added.
Earlier, Aminuddin witnessed the symbolic handover of the project by Seremban District Public Works Department engineer Aznor Izman Mahmood to Negeri Sembilan Development Director Datuk Noor Ihsan Che Mat.
Previously, Sinar reported on public complaints about the beach tent ban after a viral video circulated on social media showing MPPD's mobile announcement regarding the restriction.
The video received various reactions from netizens, most of whom were dissatisfied with the new regulation.
"Just boycott and don’t vacation in PD... There are many other beautiful places. This is all about making money and control.
"PD beaches used to be free and open for tents. Now they’re just making things difficult for the people... The beach belongs to Allah, not humans. Let’s boycott!" expressed one netizen.