Comment by Dr Pola Singh, The Star 19 Jul 10;
I wonder how many of us know that approximately 70% of Malaysians live along coastal areas. In fact, 99% of Malaysians live within 100km of the sea! The people of Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak, namely the coastal communities, most notably rely heavily on the seas for their economic activities.
We are both surrounded and separated by the oceans and seas and many of us are unaware that they are critical sources of food and nutrition and economic prosperity.
About 20% of our protein consumption comes from the sea.
The tribal communities value the seas and coasts for social and spiritual reasons.
In short, from time immemorial, the seas have played an immense socio-economic role to enhance our lifestyles.
Malaysia’s 4,800 km of coastline also harbours a very rich ecosystem and biodiversity.
Our ecosystem consists of untold riches such as the coral reefs (among the oldest and largest in the world), mangroves, sea grasses, seaweeds, mudflats, estuaries and marine biodiversity.
Humans have close relationship with the marine ecosystem which also generates various economic activities. Coral reefs are important for marine tourism, shoreline protection, nursery and feeding grounds for fishes and potential sources of medicine.
In fact fisheries, shipping, oil and gas industry, tourism, aquaculture/mariculture, residential and industrial developments are vital economic sources and contributors to Malaysia’s growth.
Our biggest income earner is oil and gas. Interestingly, nearly all our oil and gas fields are located offshore.
As of January 2009, the Oil and Gas Journal reported that Malaysia has proven oil reserves of four billion barrels.
The oil reserves can last us for another ten years.
Our natural gas reserves was 89 trillion cubic feet and based on current consumption patterns, gas reserves can last for another 36 years.
Malaysia is the second largest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) after Qatar.
In addition to offshore activities, the ocean and seas also offer renewable energy generation potential, transportation corridors and recreational opportunities.
More than 90% of Malaysia’s international trade is sea borne and passes through many seaports dotted along the nation’s coast.
Marine transport remains crucial for growth as seaborne trade has traditionally been our lifeblood.
Tourism is among Malaysia’s highest revenue earners after manufacturing and services.
The designation of Labuan Island as a prominent international offshore financial centre reflects the tremendous prospects of offshore economic activities.
However, our ecosystem and marine resources face great danger. Reefs suffer from dynamite fishing, overfishing, and harmful effects of coastal development, sedimentation, and coral bleaching.
The growing human population and density, pollution and unchecked coastal developments add to this misfortune.
Indiscriminate disposal of industrial, agricultural and domestic wastes leads to pollution. Adding to these woes are rising temperatures and sea levels
The Maritime Institute of Malaysia (Mima) has taken the lead to address our environmental woes and safeguard our maritime interests.
The Institute actively promotes sustainable management and protection of our marine and coastal biological resources through its research and related activities.
Although at the macro level, the government has initiated many efforts in the areas of coastal management, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention and resource management, we as individuals have a very important role to play to protect our sea resources and natural habitats through sustainable development.
There has to be constant engagement and cooperation from the public in efforts to protect the seas and the marine environment.
It is crucial for private citizens to be concerned over the threats faced by our natural maritime resources and take actions to counter them by inculcating good habits and adopting an environmentally friendly outlook in life, such as reducing use of plastic bags, stop buying eggs of endangered turtles and end destruction to our coral reefs by practising responsible diving and not polluting our ocean.
Inculcating public awareness on the threats to our marine environment and appreciation of the importance of the seas are keys to protecting our maritime assets.
Damages can be minimised and in certain cases reversed if the public is aware of the multiple roles of the seas in helping to manage resources in an ecologically sustainable manner.
The natural environment is dynamic and ever changing but the impact of human influence on marine environment can be managed.
It is therefore crucial for us to modify our behaviours and attitudes towards the seas and protect the fragile marine environment and ecosystems.
The “No Plastic Bag Day” campaign on certain days of the week is a step in the right direction.
Studies showed most plastics dumped end up in the oceans, adversely affecting nearly 200 different species of sea life. Bags find their way into the sea via drains and sewage pipes.
Fish and turtles die from ingesting the bags, mistaking them for food.
As consumers, we have the power to change things.
We can practise sustainable living through our own small efforts such as recycling plastic containers and bottles and purchasing reusable bags for shopping.
Mima celebrated the World Oceans day on 8 June 2010 with a series of activities aimed at increasing public awareness on the vital roles of the oceans and the marine environment in the daily lives of people.
We drew public attention and support to promote sustainable use of coastal and marine resources as well as sustainable development of the ocean.
The quest to save the oceans should no longer be delayed.
■ Dr Pola Singh is the director-general of Maritime Institute of Malaysia
