The Perhentian Island issue, just like the wildlife issue, is a long neglected one.

My guess is we will only see some action once there is a big drop in tourist arrivals to the islands and Terengganu.

But by that time it will be too late.

The Perhentians, both Besar and Kecil, are known as the peninsula’s version of the much-touted and well-known Sipadan and Mabul in Sabah with their beautiful underwater world.

It is the nearest place from Kuala Lumpur or Penang where one can see marine life, which unfortunately is being

threatened due to haphazard and poorly planned tourism development projects and ineffective sewage treatment and solid waste disposal.

The situation is likely to worsen as more development seem to be taking place.

The Perhentians, unlike Langkawi, Pangkor and Tioman, are too small to warrant the setting up of a development board to oversee their growth.

But the authorities can look at the big picture.

Terengganu has many islands like Redang, Kapas, Gemia, Lang Tengah and Tenggol.

All these islands can be grouped together and a Terengganu Islands Development Authority can be set up to oversee their development.

We all know that the state has its hands full with other tourism activities like the Monsoon Cup and the recent revival of Tasik Kenyir as a major tourism destination.

But don’t you think that being blessed with beautiful islands and marine life is an added boost to not just the state but the country as well?

ZARI MALAYSIANA,
Petaling Jaya.

From my observation and conversation with people on the island, one of the main causes for the degenerating coral reefs and marine life is the development on the island as well as the increase in number of irresponsible tourists, especially snorkellers with fins.

There are various development projects on the island like jetties, paths for jungle walks and several big buildings. Most of the tourists I talked to were upset with such developments on an island so well-known for its quiet and natural environment.

These development projects not only destroy the natural beauty and landscape of the island but also the beautiful underwater world.

The island depends solely on tourism, and if the development pushes the tourists away, businesses here will suffer, not to mention the revenue the Government gets from the tourism industry.

Things such as touching and stepping on corals, collecting seashells and corals as well as touching marine life like turtles are causing a lot of damage to the marine environment. I believe the relevant authorities should work together to create awareness among tourists about the Do’s and Don’ts and practise responsible tourism.

The other issue that needs attention will be the protection of turtles that usually feed in the channel between the big and small islands, which happens to be the main “highway” for boats. Just this week, there were two reports of turtles found dead, one of unknown causes and the other by boat propellers.

This has been a somewhat usual incident on the island, and if this continues alongside the poaching of turtle eggs, the turtle population on the island will continue to decline.

Tourists love turtles, and will thus stop coming to the island if the turtle population were to decline further.

I urge the Government to set up proper shipping lanes (just large enough for a few boats) and close off other areas along the channel to reduce the possibility of propellers hitting the turtles.

There is also a need for Government officials to visit Long Beach at night and see what is going on there. Illegal parties and bars have mushroomed along the beach. I doubt licences are issued for these activities. It’s not only harming the environment but the safety of people visiting the island as well.

DANLEE,
Subang Jaya.