Malaysia Marine Parks Department director-general Dr Sukarno Wagiman disclosed this during an island clean-up recently. Sukarno said tourist arrivals on the island have returned to normal, at 200,000 since 2010, but he is concerned about the number of visitors, which is too big for the island to handle. In the long run, he said, there will be environment degradation.
Sukarno said that Pulau Sipadan, one of the world's top diving site, allows only 120 visitors a day. "It is fortunate that Langkawi Department Authority (Lada) has put aside RM94,000 this year and RM144,000 for next year to keep the island clean and free from pollution."
During the clean-up which involved Pantai Damai, Pantai Wangi, and the beach in front of the Department of Marine Parks Pulau Payar, over 10 huge bags of rubbish were collected, and even an old television set.
More than 120 fishermen from Kedah and Labuan took part in the clean-up. They were joined by visitors to the island. Sukarno said during the clean-up, the fishermen were also taught how to look after fish fry before they were released into the ocean. Similar programmes have also been organised for other marine parks. There were also programmes to clean up the seabed.
Sukarno said he would be discussing with the state government, local tourism businessmen, and agencies related to conservation to make sure Pulau Payar remains a pristine destination for tourists.
-nst online.
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