Terengganu declares two state parks at Setiu and Kenyir


  • Nation
  • Wednesday, 15 Aug 2018

Setiu Wetlands. -filepic

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu took a major step in protecting the state's natural heritage by gazetting two new state parks in the Kenyir and Setiu areas.

Mentri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the move will help protect vital catchment areas and ensure a sustainable supply of water for electricity and drinking.

The areas to become state parks involve 10,386 hectares at Lawit-Cenana in Kenyir and 432 hectares at the Setiu Wetlands (another 1,088 hectares will be gazetted in phase two).

"These state parks are also identified as an important refuge for flora and fauna with several threatened species," said Dr Ahmad.

These are the Asian Elephant, Malayan Tapir and the critically endangered Malayan Tiger at Kenyir and the Green Turtle and the critically endangered Painted Terrapin at the Setiu Wetlands.

Dr Ahmad said these parks lie in areas designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International.

"Scientists have recorded more than 291 bird species within its perimeters," he said in a press statement on Wednesday (Aug 15).

"In fact, an incredible nine out of the 10 species of hornbills that exist in Malaysia can be found in the Lawit-Cenana State Park alone."

Dr Ahmad Samsuri added that the move constitutes "significant progress on Terengganu's commitments regarding the protection of the state's natural heritage".

The parks will be managed by a management council, he said, which will include members from respective federal and state government agencies.

"This council will be responsible to control and manage the state parks and also to ensure that all stakeholders in this eco-tourism industry will be looked after, especially the local residents," he said.

Article type: metered
User Type: anonymous web
User Status:
Campaign ID: 1
Cxense type: free
User access status: 0
Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!

nation , Kenyir , Setiu , state parks

   

Next In Nation

School buses, public transport not included in targetted subsidy for diesel initiative
Dengue cases up almost 15% last week, says Health DG
No ganja found in toothpaste, cops to arrest sender of parcel
Govt should set milestones for solving contract doctor issues, says MMA
Ab Rauf sworn in as new Melaka CM
Family of three injured after their Sitiawan home goes up in flames
Cops seize 300kg of drugs worth RM11mil, two syndicates busted in Selangor
Delays at selected passenger clearance checkpoints in Singapore
Bomba captures 7m-long python caught in drain near Sekinchan mosque
King graces opening of Al-Sultan Abdullah mosque in Labuan

Others Also Read