Preservation Of Mersing’s Islands A Shared Duty – King

JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today expressed concern over the preservation of environmental sustainability and maintaining the cleanliness of islands in the waters of Mersing.

In a statement posted on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page, His Majesty said Mersing, known as a sustainable tourism district, boasts natural beauty and marine biodiversity that must be preserved for the present and future generations.

“(At the same time), every visitor must also practise environmental awareness by not littering to ensure that the natural beauty and marine ecosystem remain preserved.

“The beauty of the islands, coral reefs and marine biodiversity in Mersing waters is a treasure that should be safeguarded together. These efforts are important not only for the benefit of the current generation, but also as a legacy for generations to come,” His Majesty said.

Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to Johor State Secretary Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman, Johor Land and Mines director Mohammed Shakib Ali, Mersing District Officer Jamil Hasni Abdullah, and Mersing District Council president Norman Noh at Istana Pasir Pelangi here.

Yesterday, Jamil Hasni, through a notice posted on the Mersing District Office’s Facebook page, informed that all scuba diving, snorkelling and visits to six islands around Mersing waters had been suspended with immediate effect to allow for marine biodiversity and environmental conservation work.

He said the closure involved Pulau Harimau, Pulau Gual, Pulau Mensirip, Pulau Mertang Timur, Pulau Mertang Barat and Pulau Mertang Tengah.

-- BERNAMA