Govt to protect Lumut, Pangkor marine life

PANGKOR: The state government is committed to protecting the marine ecology in Lumut and Pangkor island amid the ongoing development there.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the government is working closely with agencies like the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) and Fisheries Department to ensure that marine life and fish breeding continue to flourish.

“We are aware of the concerns raised by fishermen here about the development projects on the coast.

“We want to make sure that their catch is not affected despite the ongoing projects.

“We have received positive response from the developers to protect the interest of the fishermen,” he said while joining the fishing activities with a group of fishermen here.

Zambry, who is Pangkor state assemblyman, said the state government hoped that the projects would not affect the group’s livelihood.

He said the developers should look after the welfare of the fishermen as well as help the government improve fish breeding through scientific methods.

“We don’t want mega projects to affect marine life, which in turn could compromise the livelihood of the fishermen.”

He said the state government will continuously extend aid from various sources including Yayasan Bina Upaya Darul Ridzuan. By Mohd Idris Sulaiman