DIVERS RAISE FLAG NEAR CORAL REEF
40 scuba divers take part in programme to create awareness about oceans
SOME 40 scuba divers from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) took to the waters off Pulau Bidan to display patriotism and love for the country by raising the Jalur Gemilang near its coral reef area.
Kedah Volunteer Club (Persatuan Sukarela Kedah) president Shahrul Nizam Morad said the Merdeka Marine Conservation Programme 2018 involved cleaning activities in the coral reef area.
He said the programme, which received support from the state Fisheries Department, was aimed at sending the message that oceans were a source of livelihood for fishermen, as well as to improve the ocean ecosystem.
“We invited licensed fishermen with scuba skills to join us in planting the Jalur Gemilang near the coral reef area, which was the location for fishing.
“The seas around the waters are no exception to threats due to the influx of unrestricted tourists, non-environmentally friendly recreational activity, fishing and the use of illegal nets.”
Among the NGOs involved were the Kedah Federal Scout Association and Lembah Bujang Lestari, whose staff helped with the cleaning.
Lembah Bujang Lestari president Fathee Razali thanked the scuba divers who took part in the event.
“The people need to be educated to respect the ecosystem as we all share the oceans.”