Kuala Terengganu: The Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has called on the Terengganu government to implement stricter control measures on tourism activities in marine park areas. The appeal comes amid increasing concerns over the safety of marine life, particularly turtles, due to tourism-related activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UMT expressed particular concern about the docility of turtles in these marine parks, making them vulnerable to high-speed boat collisions. Unofficial reports from the local community suggest that approximately two turtles die each month in the vicinity of Pulau Redang, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

UMT has urged the authorities to adopt several measures to mitigate these risks. These include stricter enforcement of existing regulations, enhanced cross-agency and community cooperation, and increased awareness among boat operators. The emphasis is on educating operators about restricted zones, speed limits, and the sensitive habitats of marine life.

The call for action was underscored by the recent necropsy of a female turtle found dead in Teluk Dalam, near Pulau Redang. The examination revealed severe lung injuries, likely from a strong blow to the turtle’s shell, along with internal bleeding and inflammation in the breathing organs, ultimately causing the turtle to drown. This incident has heightened concerns among UMT staff about the rapid development of the tourism sector in these marine park areas.