This was the scene on my ride back from Tioman Island to Mersing using the Bluewater ferry.
The "additional seating arrangements" were again out in full force in the form of red plastic chairs all along the aisles.
There was also convenient "standing space" provided for foreign tourist too!!!
I screamed at the operator only to get a blank stare in return.
In honesty, the trip started out well as we were about to pull out of the jetty at Salang at 10am, an enforcement officer actually explained to passengers that the ferry was at its maximum capacity and they had to disembark. He told them to get on the 11am ferry arriving an hour later. The pasenggers did complain but understanding that it was for everyones safety, they complied.
All good and fine and we departed for Mersing. (Leaving the enforcement officer behind at Salang Jetty.) The next stop....Tekek Jetty...without the enforcement officer......
I bet you can guess what happens next and let just leave it as "A photo speak a thousand words".
It truely left me feeling disgusted. Families were boarding with little children and knowing very well that the ferry was full, the operator just picked up and handed out the plastic stools without a care in the world!!
I wanted to scream, " IF THIS FERRY SINKS, YOUR KIDS WILL SURELY DIE LAAAAA!!!!"
The question that is always playing on my mind is, "Who's at fault???"
Is it the operator trying to maximize returns????
Or is the passengers who are willing to risk it rather than wait for the next ferry????