MARINE PARKS: Tap Pulau Payar's vast potential

MANY islands in the peninsula and East Malaysia have been gazetted as national marine parks, which means they are protected by the governing law with the objective of preserving the priceless marine ecology which are treasures of the nation.

Pulau Payar marine park in Kedah is one of these designated islands. Located 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi island and 15 nautical miles west of Kuala Kedah, the island has been protected from overdevelopment and this can be seen from the condition of the coral reefs there.

I recently had the opportunity to be part of a scuba-diving excursion there.

The island is under the jurisdiction of the Langkawi Development Authority while the marine park is managed by the Marine Parks Department.

I observed that while the local authorities have done a commendable job in preserving the natural ecology of the island and the surrounding marine life despite limited funding, manpower and coping with the increasing number of tourists, I believe more can be done.

First, there must be renewed efforts to promote awareness among the locals, especially the younger generation, on the importance of marine ecology.

Programmes being carried out must be on managing sustainability of the island and engaging in activities to that effect.

These programmes must also be able to reach the target masses.

Through scuba-diving, one can experience hands-on the beauty of the marine ecology and understand the need to preserve it.

Nothing is more educational than being underwater and witnessing the splendour of the submerged world.

Alor Star has one of the best pool facilities at the Gunung Keriang Aquatic Centre, but there is only one diving outlet in operation there.

It is not able to attract enough enthusiasts for the sport to gain momentum in the state. It is unfortunate that such a well-built facility is underutilised, when there is so much potential.

Perhaps, the Kedah government could do more by getting private organisations, which have the capacity of funding, to participate and create sufficient momentum to get the ball rolling.

Second, there should be a concerted effort by the federal and state governments to look at ways to enhance the attractiveness of other islands in Kedah.

There are several such islands in the state which, if facilities and funding were accorded, might be turn into viable tourist destinations.

Islands, such as Payar and Songsong (located off the coast of Yan), need not have grand projects that cost billions just to attract tourists.

No doubt such investments are beneficial to the state, but what is more important is to protect and preserve the islands so that in decades to come, their pristine beauty remains intact.

Sugiman Sabri, Alor Star, Kedah

Renewed efforts are needed to promote awareness, especially among the younger generation, on the importance of marine ecology.

Read more: MARINE PARKS: Tap Pulau Payar's vast potential - Letters to the Editor - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/marine-parks-tap-pulau-payar-s-vast-potential-1.469916#ixzz2sNOE77kN