KUALA NERUS: The Terengganu government will hold an engagement session next week with various quarters, including representatives from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, tourism operators and researchers, to discuss coral reef damage at Pulau Redang here.
State tourism, culture, environment and climate change committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said the session, scheduled from Sept 7 to 9, is crucial to obtaining an accurate assessment of the condition of the coral reefs and identifying the best measures to ensure the continued preservation and sustainability of the island’s marine ecosystem.
He said the discussions would cover issues including boat relocation and operations, as well as proposals to limit the number of tourists and diving activities.
"We will examine all relevant issues. If we do not take care of this now, I am convinced that in another 20 to 25 years, Pulau Redang will be nothing more than an island; its beauty and underwater attractions could be lost forever.
"I will be there personally for three days to dive and inspect the condition of the coral reefs, which are reported to have suffered severe damage,” he said after the flag-off ceremony for the Terengganu Merdeka Challenge at Bandar Baru here on Friday (Sept 4).
However, Razali said preliminary information from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia indicated that the extent of coral reef damage at the resort island remained manageable, although ongoing restoration efforts were necessary.
He said the damage to coral reefs at Pulau Redang, including in several marine park areas, was attributed to natural factors rather than tourism activities, as alleged by various quarters.
Nevertheless, he said the state government would consider proposals to introduce new guidelines if additional control measures were deemed necessary to protect and preserve the coral reef ecosystem.
"In places such as marine parks, outsiders are not permitted to enter. The damage is caused by environmental factors such as changes in currents, hot weather, climate change and the like.
"I feel it is inappropriate to simply point fingers at divers or boat operators. According to the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, the damage is largely due to environmental factors,” he said.- Bernama
