19-metre long fishing nets stuck on reef removed at Kudat island

KUDAT: Fishing nets measuring about 19 metre long that were stuck on the reef in Pulau Lampu, Kalampunian Island here had been removed from one of the diving sites.

Sabah Park asisstant director Fazrullah Rizally Abd Razak said a group of diving operators in Kudat together with Sabah Parks organized an underwater clean-up program in conjunction with International Coastal Clean-up Day (ICCD).

“This effort shows that dive operators are highly concerned and aware of the importance of looking after the reefs’ health as a tourist attraction for the benefit and survival of the tourism industry,” he said after the program here yesterday.

Fazrullah Rizally said the group involved the North Borneo Biostation, Kudat Mammalian Dive Center, Blue fin, local volunteers and international volunteers including from Finland, China and Singapore.

He said close collaboration between tourism operators and Sabah Parks was important to overcome issues and challenges in the development of sustainable tourism industry as well as Tun Mustapha Park’s future.

An assistant director said the program was as an attempt and preparation to hold a flagship program this October for the coastal area at several islands in Kudat.

The area including those bordering Tun Mustapha Park which will be hosted by Sabah Parks, Kudat District Office, WWF-Malaysia and KTCS, also involved a number of other government agencies, NGOs and communities.

"It is hoped that this planned program will be implemented and supported by various parties including tour operators in this area," he added. Bernama