Date: 13 July 2008
Source: The New Straits Times

KUALA TERENGGANU: The state government has gazetted a one-kilometre buffer zone from the shore to sea on Redang Island to protect turtle-nesting areas.

The buffer zone stretches for 3.5km from Tanjong Teluk Guntung to Tanjung Teluk Siam.
The idea for the buffer zone was mooted by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Turtle and Rehabilitation group head Professor Chan Eng Heng.

State Industrial, Trade and Environment Committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw said it was to give turtles a better chance to survive threats.

“There will be no diving, snorkeling and anchoring of boats. Boats are required to reduce speeds to less than 15 knots when entering the area,” he said.

Chan said with the protection, the hatchlings would only face their natural predators when they go to sea.

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