Guest guest Posted April 22, 2003 Report Share Posted April 22, 2003 ***************************Advertisement*************************** TechCentral http://star-techcentral.com ***************************************************************** This message was forwarded to you by yitzeling. Comment from sender: This article is from thestar.com.my URL: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2003/4/22/features/redangx & sec=f\ eatures ________________________ Tuesday, April 22, 2003 Let & #8217;s all do our bit for Redang DESPITE the media publicity highlighting the over-development and malpractice of operators on Pulau Redang last November, it appears that little has changed. In fact, they have become bolder in their development efforts. Their blatant violations of environmental laws seem to challenge the authorities in a bewildering gung-ho fashion. Doesn & #8217;t this seem reminiscent of our predicament with Cameron Highlands? But unlike Cameron Highlands, Redang is a decreed marine park which the public expects to be totally protected and controlled. With all the publicity and outcry, how can the authorities feign ignorance for so long? Development must have been ongoing for a while. Looking at what happened in Redang and Cameron Highlands, it is easy to conclude that environmental conservation by the authorities is reactionary rather than proactive. Must enforcement be mobilised only when violations are highlighted by the media or public? The often-cited cause hindering proper enforcement has been turf issues between federal, state and municipal bodies. Can & #8217;t we get it right from the onset? These inefficiencies are causing us to lose valuable natural resources to unscrupulous developers who know little of the value of this heritage other than how much short-term profit it can reap. Fines of RM2,000 for open burning are chicken feed to these developers. These culprits should be taken to task, and slapped with punitive action which should serve as a deterrent for others. Or does it take public litigation to get things moving? Redang & #8217;s dive sites and coral reefs are among the best in the world. Sadly, snorkelling sites have significantly deteriorated over the last four years. If we do not do something now, the people of Terengganu will lose another natural treasure in addition to the leatherback turtle & #8211; and that too is another sad situation with a similar story-line. As concerned citizens, we hope the authorities can tighten their grip on the development of sensitive areas. And in doing our bit to save the environment when on the island, we will observe reef etiquettes such as proper disposal of rubbish and reducing the use of detergents and sunblocks. We will not feed the marine life or step on the corals as they are living things. We can also avoid patronising big resorts which have a significant impact on the environment for without our hard-earned money, they may not be able to do as much damage. Please save Pulau Redang! The Dugong Dude<BR>Kuala Lumpur<U></U> <p> ________________________ Your one-stop information portal: The Star Online http://thestar.com.my http://biz.thestar.com.my http://classifieds.thestar.com.my http://cards.thestar.com.my http://search.thestar.com.my http://star-motoring.com http://star-space.com http://star-jobs.com http://star-ecentral.com http://star-techcentral.com 1995-2002 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Star Publications is prohibited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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