Nada to expand coral reef project to Sabah

DUNGUN: The National AntiDrug Agency (Nada) is set to expand the project to make coral reefs using recycled materials by inmates of the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) and individuals under supervision (OKP) to more locations

Nada director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Abdullah said the project, which was part of the agency’s ‘Jom Hijau’ Environmental Action Plan 2019-2021, served as a rehabilitation therapy for Puspen inmates and OKPs, and at the same time, contributed to the sustainability of the country’s marine resources.

“To begin with, the first phase of the project is being held in Pulau Tenggol, Dungun, where 10 frameworks (300 plates) of coral reefs will be lowered into the water tomorrow (July 7).

“It is made from recycled materials such as glass, rubber, plastics and cement with a low cost of RM5,000, and most importantly, the Puspen inmates and OKPs involved get to learn a new vocational skill that can be a source of income upon completing their rehabilitation process,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the signing of the memorandum of understanding among Nada, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) at the Dungun District Council hall here yesterday.

Also present were Fisheries Malaysia director-general Datuk Munir Mohd Nawi and Terengganu Police chief Datuk Roslee Chik.

Zulkifli said the following projects in Pahang, Kelantan, Kedah, Sabah and Sarawak would be undertaken in stages through collaborations with respective state governments, private companies, fishing communities and the contribution of technology expertise from lecturers of several local universities.

“We want former drug addicts to be involved with environmental conservation,” he said, adding that the project would also indirectly have a positive impact on the tourism sector.