Kuala lumpur: Environmental conservation efforts in Pulau Sembilan require a collective commitment from all stakeholders through a whole-of-society approach, including the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations, and local communities, to ensure the preservation of the marine ecosystem is carried out effectively and sustainably.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak State Parks Corporation director Lau Ching Fong emphasized that seabed restoration and beach clean-up activities are a shared responsibility necessary to address marine pollution. He noted that indiscriminate waste disposal not only spoils the scenery but also adversely affects the marine food chain, damaging coastal ecosystems and ultimately impacting humans. He highlighted the importance of fostering awareness about environmental care as a shared duty beyond government agencies.
Lau made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Pulau Sembilan State Park Conservation Programme at Pulau Sembilan State Park near Manjung. The event was attended by Raja Di Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.
Lau pointed out that Pulau Sembilan is a significant natural asset for Perak, with its rich marine biodiversity crucial for conservation and the fisheries sector. He announced the deployment of coral propagation structures as a proactive measure to restore and replenish the affected coral reefs, which are vital for marine life and the sustainability of fishery resources, tourism, and the state's economic growth.
The annual programme, organised by the Perak State Parks Corporation, saw participation from volunteer divers from the Marine Department, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Nature and Oceanography Advocate Society, and Sembilan Diver. Beach clean-up activities included volunteers from the Manjung District and Land Office, MMEA, and Friends of Nature Activists Society.
Patrols around Pulau Sembilan were conducted to assess the area's condition and enhance awareness about the importance of compliance and protecting sensitive habitats. During the event, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain planted an ambong-ambong tree on Pulau Lalang, deployed coral propagation structures, and visited the beach waste weighing site, where a total of 1,288 kilogrammes of waste were collected by volunteers.