Wetlands not wastelands: Setiu Wetlands in Terengganu

Harban Singh, Johor Baru
Letter to the New Straits Times 16 Feb 10;

THE east coast states of the peninsula are home to some of the finest coastlines, national parks and serene islands in Malaysia.

These coastlines have a rich heritage and beautiful natural attractions. Tourism is a potential earner in these states, and more can be done to lure avid nature lovers.

One of the many potential sites in the east coast is the Setiu Wetlands in Terengganu, which has both freshwater and marine species. The Setiu Wetlands supplies between 50 and 60 per cent of Peninsular Malaysia's grouper (Epinephelus spp) juveniles and oyster seeds.

It is, therefore, most disappointing to hear that a 1,000ha aquaculture development project has been approved in Setiu for an integrated shrimp project. This is in total disregard to the vital role of the wetlands to human habitats and livelihoods. Aquaculture projects have destroyed much of the wetlands, especially mangroves, in Thailand and Indonesia. It has led to environmental degradation, ecological damage and caused much pain to the socio-economic position of the local communities. Malaysia must learn from it.

We must preserve these important ecosystems where Malaysian Nature Society and World Wide Fund for Nature have done tremendous field and research work and accumulated valuable data as well as inventories to justify protection. The wetlands qualify to be designated as Ramsar (wetlands of international importance) sites by virtue of their distinctive habitats. Nature lovers are expecting this area to join Tasek Bera, Kinabatangan, Kuching wetlands, Tanjung Piai, Sungai Pulai and Pulau Kukup as the seventh Ramsar site in Malaysia.

The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) authorities, the custodians of this area, have a moral obligation to ensure that all green habitats are protected, through sustainable approaches. It is never too late to rectify a mistake and consult the experts. Setiu should be gazetted as a state park and a Ramsar site, as was done with Pulau Kukup and Tanjung Piai wetlands sites in Johor. Perhaps the ECER could learn from the Iskandar Regional Development Authority how to work with stakeholders to preserve and enhance wetlands. The proposed aquaculture project must be shelved. We don't need more white elephants in Terengganu. We must learn from our past mistakes and recognise that wetlands are not wastelands, but form one of the most productive ecosystems in the world.