KOTA BARU: More than 1,000 people who travel daily between Kuala Besar and the islands off Tumpat face safety risks due to a badly damaged jetty they rely on to board boats.
Damaged by floods last year, the jetty has been left with broken railings and a damaged platform, raising concerns over the safety of residents and visitors travelling to islands including Pulau Suri.
Residents have resorted to placing stones beneath broken sections of the structure in an attempt to support the platform and keep the jetty usable.
Kampung Che Latiff head Wan Kamal Wan Ahmad, 61, who has served as village head for three years, said the jetty was built with federal government funding more than three years ago and had become a vital link for island communities.
He said it was used by residents, visitors and authorities, particularly during emergencies and when transporting patients to the mainland for medical treatment.
"The jetty is our main access point to the islands. It is used by residents and the authorities, including when patients need to be taken to hospital by boat before being transferred by ambulance.
"Some people have been injured after falling at the damaged jetty. We are worried that someone could suffer more serious injuries if the situation continues," he said.
Wan Kamal said residents hoped the authorities would repair or replace the structure as soon as possible.
"If possible, we hope a concrete jetty can be built to provide a safer and more durable facility for the people," said the father of three.
He said the jetty operated around the clock and served more than 60 passenger boats and 22 privately owned boats. A parking area was also available at no charge.
"The current platform is made of fibreglass, but the damaged structure remains a major concern for us," he added.
Resident Hassan Bakar, 62, said the jetty's condition was a daily concern for communities whose lives revolved around boat travel.
The father of three said thousands of people living on the islands relied on boats for their daily journeys.
Hassan said the combined population of Pulau Rejuna and Pulau Suri was about 5,000, while the wider island community had an estimated population of 10,000. However, residents of other islands use separate jetties.
Boat fares range from RM2 to RM3 per passenger, while children travel free, he said.
"The journey between the mainland and the islands takes about five to 10 minutes, making the jetty a vital link for residents travelling for work, education, medical treatment and other daily needs.
"Therefore, I believe a proper jetty is important. If necessary, a concrete jetty," he said.
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