Malaysia-on marine environment and croc attack at A Famosa

[Guest guest]

New Straits Times June 4th

 

Ex-PM still shows concern for islands’ development

 

THE Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences (MSMS) is greatly encouraged by

recent news reports which clearly indicate that our country’s leadership

understands, appreciates and cares for our precious natural heritage. We

would like to salute Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the sound advice which he

expressed recently, with regard to Pulau Tioman in particular and the

islands of Malaysia in general. Our former Prime Minister once again showed

his wisdom and concern when he advised that the Government should plan and

develop each island separately, according to their potential and

limitations, with due regard to preserving the environment and beauty of

each of the islands.

 

We would also like to congratulate the Tourism, Culture & Environment

Minister of Sabah, Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, for preventing over-development and

degradation of the fragile marine environment at Pulau Sipadan and for his

efforts to get this precious world-class diving destination listed as a

World Heritage site. Such concern and proactiveness augur well for

Malaysia's fragile coastal and island heritage.

 

MSMS stands ready to contribute and help in the sustainable development or

ecological restoration of our fragile environment, in particular the islands

and their inherent marine resources. The society is well represented, with

diverse membership ranging from marine enthusiasts to established scientists

from the various universities and research institutions in Malaysia.

 

PROFESSOR PHANG SIEW MOI

President

Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences

Petaling Jaya

 

 

Croc escape at golf course ‘impossible’ - New Straits Times

 

Jassmine Shadiqe

 

PETALING JAYA, June 07:

--

 

It would be impossible for a crocodile to climb out of a 2.4-metre deep pit

and attack a golfer at A’Famosa Golf Resort.

The management of the golf course said special safety features had been

incorporated to make sure that seven crocodiles in the pit stayed there.

 

Its public relations manager, Alex Tee, said there were numerous notice

boards on the course warning golfers of the presence of the reptiles.

 

He said at Press conference that thousands of golfers have played on the

course since it was opened in 1997, without any incident.

 

Also present was the resort’s lawyer, Andrew Ng.

 

The management of the resort convened the conference to rebut allegations

made by golfer Terry Hong Kee Siong.

 

He is suing the resort for negligence, and " keeping wild animals on its golf

course " and " not warning the public of the presence of crocodiles on its

facility " .

 

On May 19, the New Straits Times reported him as saying that while playing

on the course on Jan 22, he had slipped down a slope near hole seven of the

course while searching for his golf ball.

 

Hong stepped on what he thought was a piece of wood while making his way out

of the pit.

 

The golfer did not realise that he had stepped on a 5.5-metre crocodile. He

said that the crocodile bit his leg and tried to drag him to the nearby

pond.

 

He suffered gashes to his left leg requiring 38 stitches.

 

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