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In fact, some of the new rules are even more stringent than those provided for in the country's safety laws.
But not everyone is convinced that the strict enforcement put in place since the Oct 13 fatal ferry tragedy will remain for long.
Seven people died when a ferry caught fire on that Hari Raya day and sank while sailing from Mersing to the island off Pahang.
The Sunday Times last Thursday took a ferry ride to Tioman from Mersing, a town in Johor that serves as the main entry point to the popular holiday resort island.
After buying the RM70 ($30) return ticket, passengers were required to write their names and identification card or passport numbers on a piece of paper.
As passengers waited to embark, five Marine Department officials in blue uniforms went on board for an inspection.
'We check the ferry's papers to make sure they are in order. We also make sure that there are enough safety features on board, like life jackets, and that the engine is working fine,' said a Marine Department official who was seconded to the Mersing Jetty from Johor Baru soon after the incident.
Before this, industry players had claimed that Marine Department officials hardly inspected vessels to determine if they were seaworthy - a requirement under the law. The department's office is less than 100m away from where vessels are moored.
Meanwhile, back inside the ferry, there were life jackets on every seat and a Marine Department official told passengers to put on the vests.
Most passengers complied, although after the vessel set sail, everyone took off these uncomfortable vests.
Under the law, only passengers on open boats are required to don life jackets at all time.
Throughout the journey, three crew members - one carrying a walkie-talkie - sat with the passengers.
Passengers were barred from going to the upper deck of the ferry.
'By right they can go up, but after the incident, we feel, it is better for passengers to remain below, as it is safer there,' Peninsular Malaysia Marine Department director-general Ahmad Othman told The Sunday Times.
Singaporean Benny Soh, 25, from Bishan, said he felt safe and comfortable during the journey.
'I think what happened the other day is an isolated incident,' said the assistant manager with a semiconductor firm.
But those familiar with the industry are not convinced that the stepped-up checks will remain for long.
'How long do you think the officers from JB will stay here? After the media interest wanes, they will go back,' said tour operator Mr Shukor, 54, who has been in the business for 30 years. He declined to give his full name.
He claimed that since the tragedy, operators in Mersing have stopped providing speedboat services to and from Tioman.
'A speedboat is only allowed to carry a maximum of 14 passengers, but it is often packed with up to 40,' he said.
Captain Ahmad said the enforcement will be an ongoing affair and 'not a one-off thing'.
But Mr Rahman, who runs a taxi service in the Tioman jetty area, is not buying such assurances. 'I think it is a matter of time before tight enforcement is forgotten - until the next tragedy strikes,' said Mr Rahman, who did not want to give his full name.
'I think it is a matter of time before tight enforcement is forgotten - until the next tragedy strikes.'
MR RAHMAN, who runs a taxi service in the Tioman jetty area
