Mersing: The closure of six out of 47 islands in Mersing waters is not a new development but a measure for biodiversity conservation and safety, said Mersing district officer Jamil Hasni Abdullah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision was in line with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia's recent call to safeguard natural treasures, particularly the islands of Mersing, for future generations. Jamil Hasni Abdullah emphasized that only Pulau Harimau and Pulau Mensirip are directly affected due to their water-based activities. Consequently, the 355 operators of tourist and transport boats, resort owners, and visitors need not be concerned, as other islands, including Pulau Besar, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tengah, and Pulau Tinggi, remain open for appropriate activities.

He outlined that the move is intended to preserve natural resources while ensuring safety and environmental cleanliness, supporting sustainable tourism, a key focus for the district. Mersing boasts 47 islands and 50 islets, with a population of 80,100, as per 2020 data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

Jamil Hasni further explained that water-based activities typically operate for about eight months a year due to safety concerns during the monsoon season, from March to October. He added that Mersing District Council data indicates tourist arrivals have been on the rise, reaching 361,624 by August.

Previously, the Mersing District Office announced that all scuba diving, snorkeling, and visits to Pulau Harimau, Pulau Gual, Pulau Mensirip, Pulau Mertang Timur, Pulau Mertang Barat, and Pulau Mertang Tengah were immediately suspended to facilitate marine biodiversity and environmental conservation efforts.