The Star 12 Mar 09;
I REFER to the report “Tioman Airport Extension off” (The Star, March 8) and the letter from MNS “It’s good to know Tioman will not be spoilt after all” (The Star, March 10).
It is indeed great news and a major advancement in Malaysia’s awareness for the preservation of the environment.
Good on you, Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat! Thank you for personally going through the pros and cons of the project in the various reports, and you were correct in being concerned about the negative impact on the corals and marine life in Pulau Tioman Marine Park.
The Malaysian Nature Society is to be commended for its tireless efforts in promoting marine awareness and conservation.
Others who deserve the same recognition are the environmentally-concerned locals of Pulau Tioman, the short-handed but dedicated staff of the Marine Parks Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, all the marine scientists involved, Seabuds, and of course, all passionate marine nature-loving Malaysians who have contributed in their own way towards the conservation of Pulau Tioman.
We need detailed on-site information of future development to be able to make informed decisions.
We must remember that only seven per cent of our Malaysian reefs are protected because they lie within Marine Parks (Status of Coral Reefs of the World, 2008). Why then should we think of destroying even that little portion of protected reefs which contribute so much to the wellbeing and livelihood of our people?
Malaysian reefs are highly diverse in species, especially in Sabah which forms part of the “Coral Triangle” of the world. The question now is: what of the planned Mabul Oceanarium project in Sabah?
AFFENDI YANG AMRI,
Universiti Malaya,
Kuala Lumpur.
