Set up body to oversee islands in Terengganu
I TOTALLY support the views and concerns expressed in “Stop developing island,”.
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.
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