KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (23 June 2004) -- Scientists who visited remote Malaysian islands left unexplored for the past 50 years discovered rich ecosystems that they urged Thursday should be saved from destruction in one of the world's busiest sea lanes. Shipping, fishing and scuba diving activities have polluted the waters, ravaged coral habitats and threatened some species with extinction in the strategic Straits of Malacca, which separate peninsular Malaysia from Indonesia's Sumatra island. Thirty-two researchers from the University of Malaya last week explored five islands that remain a cradle for tropical biodiversity because their location is relatively distant from the commercial and tourism routes, expedition leader Phang Siew Moi said. "Many people insist that the Straits of Malacca are completely polluted, but our expedition proves there are still hidden jewels left that must be protected," Phang told a news conference. "Our discoveries went beyond our highest expectations." Researchers detected some of the largest corals of their kind ever seen in Southeast Asian waters, and new species of marine fungi that could be used in developing pharmaceutical products. One of the islands, which British experts described as a "barren outcrop" during the last scientific expedition there in the 1950s, has matured into a thriving ecosystem with sea birds, dragonflies, beetles, turtles, fish and various vegetation, Phang said. | | The scientists voiced concerns that such areas could soon be imperiled because of increasing traffic in the straits - stemming not just from commercial vessels, but maritime patrol boats that guard them from rampant piracy and the possible threat of terrorist-linked attacks. "We expect a lot of activities that could impinge on these pristine islands," Phang said. The United States and Singapore have expressed concerns that the 50,000 commercial vessels - from cruise ships to supertankers - that travel the straits every year are vulnerable targets for the al-Qaeda terrorist network and its South Asian affiliates. Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have pledged to safeguard security. Azhar Hussin, a senior member of the scientific expedition, urged the Malaysian government to declare new protected areas to keep out fishermen, tourist operations and merchant ships that might discharge oil or waste while passing through the 900-kilometre (550-mile) straits. "Otherwise, all this unique beauty might be lost forever," Azhar said. SOURCE - Borneo Bulletin |
