PETALING JAYA: The Terengganu state government will hold an engagement session with tourism operators and relevant agencies on Pulau Redang to discuss coral reef damage believed caused by anchoring activities in prohibited areas.
Terengganu tourism, culture, environment and climate change committee chairman Razali Idris said the meeting, scheduled to be held from Aug 26-28, would identify the actual causes of the problem and examine weaknesses in enforcement.
He said the session would also serve as a platform for the implementation of stricter action against any parties found violating regulations.
“I take seriously reports of coral reef damage, especially those involving day-trip boats. If the allegations are proven true, such actions are irresponsible and cannot be tolerated.
“The conservation efforts undertaken by the government, NGOs and communities, which have taken decades or even hundreds of years, should not be destroyed in the pursuit of profit,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Razali said the state goverment would also study proposals to review permits for day-trip operations or impose heavier penalties on boat operators who flout the rules.
“Pulau Redang is a state treasure and a tourism asset that must be protected,” he added.
Tourism Malaysia promotes Redang and eight other nearby islands as a haven for snorkelling and scuba diving, with magnificent corals and clean sandy beaches.
