Save our mangrove swamps

THE government must provide stronger protection for crucial small mangrove patches. The loss of seemingly small mangrove patches to development is extremely worrying as it would affect critically endangered wildlife that are reliant on these habitats.

I am particularly worried about mangrove patches struggling to survive in the waters around Port Dickson. Trees are being chopped down, and toxic chemicals are flowing into the mangroves, killing insects.

Without mangroves, coral reefs cannot survive. The two ecosystems are in a symbiotic relationship, and coral reef health is largely dependent on mangrove forests.

Mangroves also stabilise shorelines, remove pollutants, improve water quality, and provide nursery habitats that maintain fisheries.

LIONEL PERERA

Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan