KUALA NERUS: The Terengganu government will hold an engagement session next week with stakeholders – including the Fisheries Department, tourism operators and researchers – to address coral reef damage at Pulau Redang.
Scheduled from Sept 7 to 9, the session aims to obtain an accurate assessment of the reefs and identify key measures to preserve the island’s marine ecosystem.
Discussions will cover boat operations and relocation, alongside proposals to cap tourist numbers and diving activities, said state tourism, culture, environment and climate change committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris.
“We will examine all relevant issues. If we do not act now, I am convinced that in 20 to 25 years, Pulau Redang’s underwater attractions could be lost forever,” he told Bernama yesterday.
“I will spend three days there diving and inspecting the reefs, which are reported to have suffered severe damage.”
However, Razali noted that preliminary Fisheries Department data indicates the damage remains manageable, though ongoing restoration is necessary.
He stressed that reef degradation in marine park areas stems largely from natural factors rather than tourism activities, contrary to recent allegations.
