No More Plastic Bags
Many Singaporeans enjoy a short weekend getaway to the beautiful Malaysian destinations for diving such as Redang, Tioman and Perhentian.
But the next time you’re going to the beach for a holiday, it’s time to make some changes to your packing list. The Department of Fisheries Malaysia recently officially introduced a campaign to do away with the use of single-use plastics (SUP) in all 56 marine parks found on the islands.
This excludes regular plastic bags, single-use water bottles and plastic food containers from these protected beaches.
Turtles Eating Trash
Each year millions of visitors descend on these unspoiled marine parks, but they end up leaving behind harmful quantities of plastic waste.
This waste is easily broken down and makes small microplastics that can damage delicate coral reefs, and be ingested by sensitive sea turtles. Local scientists even found these poisonous plastic particles in commercially sold fish.
If you’re thinking of planning a trip out of town to the tropics, then you need to rethink how you pack your bags in Malaysia.
The authorities are hoping everyone will make a permanent transition to reusable containers, storage boxes and environmentally friendly packaging.
Fines Are Coming Soon
The Malaysian authorities are now putting a lot of emphasis on public education rather than giving immediate fines to tourists.
But the park officials have got their eyes glued on visitors. If they don’t cooperate, and this voluntary change doesn’t work, there will be some tough new legislation and penalties put into place before long.
Safeguarding beautiful coral reefs
This plastic ban is a huge conservation effort to prevent the complete extinction of local marine life. In recent times, 600 pieces of corals were recently planted and 570 baby turtles were released into the sea to restore the natural ecosystem.
When you are on your next diving holiday, leave plastic packaging on the mainland if you wish to enjoy the beautiful coral reefs and clear waters.
Watch the video here:
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