Marine Park Closure Will Not Affect Tourism In Terengganu

The closure of five marine park areas in Terengganu to diving and snorkelling activities is not expected to affect the state's tourism industry, an official said.

Terengganu Tourism Malaysia director Ahmad Fathil Abdul Ghani told Bernama the closure only involved several diving spots.

According to him, there are 20 diving spots in Pulau Redang and another 30 in Pulau Perhentian which are popular among local and foreign divers.

He also said that not all tourists came to dive and snorkel because there were also those who prefer to enjoy the beauty and serenity of beaches on these islands, especially those holidaying with families.

He was asked to comment on the temporary closure of nine areas gazetted as marine parks and three other islands nationwide, including in Terengganu.

The closure, from July 2 to Oct 31, was due to coral bleaching, a phenomenon caused by global warming.