The no-camping rule at Port Dickson beaches set by the City Council has upset many potential visitors, and the state exco has since responded to the backlash.
“We fear the tent issue will return if we don’t take control,” said the Negeri Sembilan Local Government Development, Housing and Transport Exco, J Arul Kumar.
Previously, a Malaysian family who sat on a picnic mat was rudely confronted by rental tent operators who did not allow them to place their picnic mat there.
“This is because previously many visitors expressed their dissatisfaction with the presence of tents there which blocked the view,” Arul said.

What if visitors want to change clothes?
No doubt, the camping tents would’ve made things a little easier for visitors to change their clothes but Arul said the public can change at the public washroom.
“There is no issue of changing clothes because there are public toilet facilities available.”
“In fact, the facilities have also been improved to ensure visitors are more comfortable.”

Arul also explained other problems that visitors might face in the future if tents are allowed at the beaches in the district – cleanliness issues.
“If the beach is dirty, the City Council (MPPD) will get the blame. This is also why we don’t allow bonfires.”

Arul said that despite being a public place, it is MPPD’s responsibility to look after the beaches. However, if visitors insist on setting up tents, Arul suggested they go to places that offer that leniency, reported Sinar Harian.
MPPD recently also said visitors at Port Dickson beaches are not allowed to bring alcohol to the premises.
He responded to the call to boycott Port Dickson and highlighted that visitors have the right to express their opinions, but stressed that Port Dickson beaches are always filled with visitors during the weekend.
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