SETIU: There is no threat of contamination of the famed Setiu Wetlands.
Terengganu local government, housing, health and environment committee chairman Dr Alias Razak dismissed talk that the shrimp aquaculture project in the area had caused contamination to the rivers and wetlands.
“Thus far, the company (Blue Archipelago Bhd) managed to contain any such contamination resulting from the discharge of effluents into Sungai Chalok to a manageable level.
“We want to ensure that the wetlands are properly conserved as it has a big ecological effect on the environment, and is also a major tourist attraction.
“Tourism is a big revenue earner, after petroleum, for the state,” he said at the launching of the ‘Draft Plan on Publicity and Public Participation Programme for a Special Area: Conservation and Management in Sungai Tarom Bandar Permaisuri’ today.
He was asked to comment on complaints by locals, fishermen and environmental organisations on the threat posed to marine life by the discharge of effluents from the shrimp aquaculture project.
Dr Alias said the state government was serious in conserving the Setiu Wetlands in spite of development programmes for the area.
“Even if there are activities concerning the construction of houses and buildings, mining, farming, livestock breeding and the like, we will ensure the stakeholders protect the environment as there are numerous flora and fauna here.
On another note, Dr Alias said the state would allocate RM150 million to dredge and deepen rivers and estuaries, including the Kuala Merang jetty.
“The Kuala Merang jetty is the main gateway to Terengganu’s idyllic islands of Pulau Perhentian, Redang, Lang Tengah and Bidong.
“We want the tourism and fishing industry players to utilise this jetty rather than operate in a scattered manner all over the mainland. This is also as a safety precaution, especially when ferrying tourists to the islands,” he said.
He also urged travel and tour operators, including tourist guides, to plan more three-day, two-night holidays on the mainland.
“We want tourists to also savour our homestay programmes, and promote Tasik Kenyir, handicraft, animal rearing, fish breeding, and farming industries as well,” said Dr Alias.
He cited how the state was planning to develop a 0.4ha land in Kampung Beris Tok Ku for the nipah mat (tikar kercut) and mengkuang basket-weaving cottage industries.