THE Terengganu government will gazette the waters surrounding Pulau Tenggol as a state park to preserve and protect its coral reefs and marine life.

Terengganu state secretary Tengku Farok Hussin Tengku Abd Jalil said a study is being conducted to decide whether to include the waters around the island in the gazetted zone, which are popular among scuba drivers.   

“We have gazetted the island of Pulau Tenggol on February 2 but I believe we need to conduct a reassessment to include the waters surrounding the island, to protect the coral reefs and marine life.

 “There are 19 coral reef locations in Pulau Tenggol and they must be protected from destructive activities, as some scuba divers are unethical,” he said in Tenggol Beach yesterday.

Also present was Terengganu Park Management Council director Tengku Mohd Ariffin Tengku A. Rahman.

Tengku Farok Hussin said the state government is gazetting other locations including Pulau Rhu in Besut, which boasts a unique biodiversity of flora and fauna.

The initiative is still at the engagement-session level and expected to be realised middle of next year, he said.

“There are several islands being considered, namely Tasik Kenyir and Setiu Wetland. Pulau Rhu will be earmarked also, as it is a habitat for an endangered species of bats.”

“This process has to be done incrementally because it will take time and involve costs,” he added. – Bernama, September 10, 2023