KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government, in collaboration with the state Fisheries Department, are investigating a video of tourists harassing a turtle while snorkelling off Pulau Redang.
"The Terengganu Fisheries Department received a report on the incident from the publicand are going through every video posted on social media for further action," Terengganu tourism, culture, environment and climate change committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said on Tuesday (Oct 14).
He said the state government took a serious view of the irresponsible actions of the tourists.
He added that the Terengganu government would take proactive measures, including introducing a snorkelling guide licence, to ensure compliance with all rules and guidelines.
"Many snorkelling guides are unclear about the ethics – including what is permitted and what is not.
"Such actions violate rules and could cause turtles to avoid Pulau Redang," he said, adding this would not only affect Terengganu's tourism industry but also deprive future generations of the chance of seeing these animals.
A 27-second video went viral showing a group of tourists holding and harassing a turtle, while snorkelling in Pulau Redang. – Bernama
