BAGAN SERAI: Kuala Gula, a mangrove area near here known as a sanctuary for over 165 species of migratory birds, is likely to become the country’s second Ramsar site, named after a city in Iran where an international pact on the protection of wetlands was signed in 1971. 

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli said the idea was agreed upon in principle and the relevant government departments had been asked to submit reports to the state executive council before formal approval is given. 

Malaysia has been a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since Nov 10, 1994. 

 In 1995, Tasek Bera in Pahang covering an area of 31,120ha was designated a Ramsar site. 

The area’s management, including land utilisation, is carried out according to standards adopted at the Ramsar Convention. 

Turning Kuala Gula into a Ramsar site augurs well for Perak’s tourism sector, Tajol Rosli told reporters after launching the national-level World Wetlands Day at this bird sanctuary 50km from here on Friday. 

 “Once designated a Ramsar site, we will secure funds and help from international organisations. 

  “The Perak government cannot afford to look after heritage sites such as Belum forest or Kuala Gula as these places are for future generations,” he said. 

Present were Science, Technology and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Law Heing Ding and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin who is also Bagan Serai MP. 

Tajol Rosli and Law later released several species of kingfishers to mark the occasion. 

The VIPs were also taken on a boat ride for a close-up view of the bird sanctuary. 

Tajol Rosli asked locals not to carry out illegal prawn rearing in the protected mangrove forest but instead co-operate with the state in its efforts to promote the area for tourism.