The talk was very informative. Mr Yap Jek-Nam briefed the audience on the benefits of scuba-diving and showed slides of his diving trips, followed by a video section on the beauty of the seas around Malaysia. Members were attracted by the beautiful and colourful underwater world in our country. They was informed about marine pollution and also reminded to preserve these beautiful parts of Malaysia. Conservation and preservation of nature should start with appreciation.
Stewart Forbes sounded the alarm on the danger of pollution especially on the West Coast of Malaysia. He showed the audience articles from a recent newspaper about pollution in the Pangkor area and over-congestion of the dive site at Pulau Payar, Kedah. All divers, potential snorkelers and divers and all who love the sea were also urged to participate in marine conservation projects especially in the Pangkor area. As Perakians this is our social responsibility. He suggested organising more talks and seminars to educate the general public, especially the fishermen, about the importance of the marine life conservation. All marine lovers were urged to participate in recording underwater reef life, gather scientific data, initiate a program of recording like in the Philippines and Singapore. We need to see more volunteers. All dive centres and divers clubs in Perak will join up in the effort to achieve this goal and the MNS will be the central point to gather data and submit them to the relevant authorities.
You can access more information through the Internet sites at:
http://www.lumutport.com/msac/index.html;
http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov/ and
http://www.cgiar.org/iclarm/resprg/reefbase/frameg/
Anyone who witness any pollution and/or damage of marine life in your coming trips please contact the persons or dive centres below.
Mr Stewart Forbes: 05-6928181 email: [email protected];
Thomas Tay (PL Outdoor Adventures (05-5499678, 5454678; email: [email protected]
Dr Loo Voon San (Office) 05-5462223 and Mr Chin (Office):05-5479621
KDSSK Chairman, John Leong : 05-2410144 email: [email protected]
KSSDK advisor, Mr Philip Chang: 05-5469916
(I hope this initiative to mobilise all concerned persons and groups for conservation will bear fruit � definitely a good sign! Keep the momentum going! Don't give up easily! Chairman)