(MY) turtles under threat

October 14, 2005

*New Straits Times* <http://www.nst.com.my/> »

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Turtles under threat

Ajitpal Singh <ajitpal

*KEMAMAN, TERENGGANU, 14 Oct 2005*

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*For years, the lush forest of Bukit Labuhan has protected the last

stretch of Kertih's beaches where turtles still come to nest.*

[image:

a plan to build a recreational park there is threatening the turtle

sanctuary on Ma'Daerah beach.

The State Forestry Department and conservation groups have objected to the

development plan, which environmentalists say will drive away the dwindling

number of turtles.

The 1.7km stretch has seen the only turtle landings in the area for the last

five years, largely because the stretch has remained dark at night.

Bukit Labuhan shelters the beach from the bright lights of Kertih's

refineries, industrial plants and the blazing flares which burn around the

clock.

Plans to build the park in gazetted forest areas are contained in the

Kemaman Draft Plan, the district's proposed development guide for the next

10 years.

About 170ha of Bukit Labuhan's 240ha of forest was gazetted in 1984, leaving

about 70ha open to development, mostly near the main Kertih road.

The park, and a road linking it to the main road, is to be built in the

gazetted area, which is much nearer the beach.

There are also proposals in the Draft Plan to build a light industrial park

in the ungazetted area.

Sources said the State Forestry Department wants the proposed development to

be scrapped, and has lodged its objections against the plan.

" Many areas in Kemaman are not developed yet. The municipal council should

concentrate in developing these areas instead of encroaching into Bukit

Labuhan, " a source said.

The Kemaman Draft Plan has been on display since August for the public to

view and offer feedback.

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