By PAUL MU
KOTA KINABALU: A tour guide suffered a broken and bleeding nose after telling a boatman not to feed wild monkeys during a river cruise at Kawa-Kawa in Kota Belud.
The tour guide, who only wanted to be known as Alex, said he was bringing a group of Chinese tourists during the incident, which happened before sunset.
Kawa-Kawa is popular for sightings of proboscis monkeys and fireflies.
“During the cruise along the river, we encountered a group of long-tailed macaques frolicking along the banks.
“While we stopped the boat to take photos, another boat approached and the boatman fed the macaques cakes.
“I politely told the boatman not to feed the wild animals as they could become aggressive when they see boats and expect to be fed again,” he said.
He advised against feeding the macaques because wild animals should not be given human food.
He said some guides had previously experienced macaques jumping onto boats and grabbing tourists’ belongings.
“This is also to prevent tourists from getting hurt by the wild macaques. Furthermore, the nearest hospital is quite far from the site,” he said.
However, he said the boatman ignored his advice.
“Instead of relenting, the boatman shouted at me, saying it was his right to feed the wild animals.
“I told him I was just following the instructions of the Wildlife Department,” he said.
Alex said the boatman took offence at his advice.
After dropping off his guests at the jetty, the boatman pursued his boat with several men.
“They jumped onto our boat and started attacking me. The boatman also brought a sharp object.
“The boatman demanded that I apologise to him, otherwise he would knock my head off.
“To defuse the situation in front of the terrified tourists, I apologised profusely,” said Alex, who has lodged a police report in Kota Belud.
Meanwhile, Airworld Travel and Tour chairman and senior tourism industry player Winston Liaw Ket Siong, who was approached by Alex for help, said such acts of intimidation should be stopped immediately.
“This incident severely damages Sabah’s tourism image. Tourists will be scared to come to Sabah.
“In the tourism service industry, we should show a friendly attitude and politely advise tourists what they can and cannot do.
“We should not please customers who have done wrong and then challenge others who give proper advice.
“I urge the Tourism Ministry and Sabah Tourism Board to provide educational programmes for all boatmen on their behaviour, boat-handling skills, safety and security.
“Safety and security must come first.
“We should not create problems among ourselves that damage our tourism image. Industry players should always help each other to compete in international markets,” he said.
He urged the police and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to investigate the incident so that justice can prevail.
Screenshot of the tourist guide being attacked by a boatman (white cap) and his friends.
‘I urge the Tourism Ministry and Sabah Tourism Board to provide educational programmes for all boatmen on their behaviour, boat-handling skills, safety and security. Safety and security must come first’ – Winston
