Relax - Mishap puts tourists in a bind

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Mishap puts tourists in a bind

The Star | Fri, Jan 27 2012

Their parachutes got stuck in a tree while parasailing in Batu Ferringhi.

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GEORGE TOWN, Penang - Two local tourists had their holiday entangled in knots when their parachutes got stuck in a tree while parasailing in Batu Ferringhi.

The duo Leng Ket Shun, 20, and Ngo Deng Soon, 42, dangled precariously from the tree after their "botched landing", causing alarm among holidaymakers at the beach.

Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa communications director Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said the mishap occurred on Wednesday.

"One of the watersports operators attempted to scale the almost eight-metre-high tree to free the men but our emergency response team and security personnel were concerned," he said in a press release yesterday.

"They immediately alerted the Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Department before placing cushions under the men," Suleiman said.

Before the authorities could arrive at the scene, the men had fallen "squarely on the cushions".

Both sustained minor scratches and bruises on their arms and legs.

Suleiman urged the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) to monitor watersports operators closely.

"Safety cannot be compromised. Mishaps can be fatal," he said.

In response, state Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow urged the operators to "take extra care".

He said too many mishaps involving water scooters and parasailing had occurred at the popular beach.

"We are mindful of the problem but we allow these activities to continue because the tourists and hoteliers want it," he said.

On Jan 13, a tourist from the Middle East claimed that parasailing in Batu Ferringhi left him and his son traumatised and bruised.

Ehab Abunawas, 49, from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, said he was pestered to take part in the activity by the beach boys and gave in.

He said the parasailing rope and hooks kept hitting them while they were up in the air and no proper safety briefing was given prior to the ride.

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