Authorities optimistic of conserving dugong habitat in Johor

Nor Sallehuddin (left) talking to the volunteers from BIMB about making an artificial reef.

PULAU SIBU: The Johor Department of Marine Park Malaysia (JTLMNJ) is optimistic of its efforts to conserve the habitat of the dugong, which is the icon of the waters off Mersing, said its Education and Information Interpretation head Nor Sallehuddin Md Ali.

To this effect, he said various efforts had been undertaken, including educating fishermen, boat owners and tourists not to venture near the habitat of these shy mammals whose conservation status is threatened.

The latest figures show there are about 50 dugong in these waters.

To achieve its objectives, the department is working with agencies such as the World Wildlife Fund as well as public and private companies to conduct research which would contribute to the conservation of the dugong.

“The main focus of JTLMNJ is to ensure the continuity of marine life which is threatened with extinction, such as the dugong, and for that, we will always work to ensure their main source of food which is seaweed is preserved and not destroyed in these waters.

“Information-sharing with villagers will hopefully prevent dugong deaths caused by human ignorance, like being trapped in the fisherman's drift nets, collision with boats and water pollution,” he said after the Eco Volunteers programme (13th edition), organised by BIMB Holdings Berhad at the JTLMNJ Centre in Pulau Tinggi here.

In the waters off Mersing, dugong habitats have been found in Pulau Sibu, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Besar, Pulau Tengah, Pulau Seribuat and Pulau Rawa.

Meanwhile, BIMB Holdings Berhad group chief strategy officer, Hizamuddin Jamaluddin, said the Eco Volunteers programme was the organisation’s show of support for JTLMNJ in its efforts to promote marine life in Mersing waters.

The corporate social responsibility programme was first held in April, followed by a second programme in May.

Hizamuddin said programmes such as these would educate students of SK Pulau Sibu and Pulau Tinggi on the importance of environment conservation, including not disturbing the ecosystem of marine life. — Bernama