Mangrove forest in Kilim Geo Park under threat

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Garbage floating in Kilim River in the Kilim Geo Park
Garbage floating in Kilim River in the Kilim Geo Park

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) urges the Forestry Department of Kedah and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to pay serious attention and take immediate steps to protect and save the mangrove forest in the Kilim Geo Park in Langkawi Island from devastation.

The Kilim Geo Park covering an area of ​​100 square kilometres is a nature reserve with amazing flora and fauna including limestone, fossils, caves, lagoons, beaches and panoramic sea views.

However, a survey conducted by SAM found that the natural environment in this area, for example the mangroves, is being threatened by tourist boat activities and pollution problem due to littering. 

The use of engines above 200-horsepower (hp) through the Kilim River by the boatmen is a concern because it threatens the area’s natural environment and disturbs the peace of the natural surroundings due to the loud noise. 

Boats being driven fast in the area

SAM found that the tour boatmen speed through the river although there is signage at the riverbank cautioning them to slow down the boat. The speed of the boat causes huge waves to lash the mangrove forests along the river, leading to our nature’s treasure to be battered and the mangrove trees uprooted.

Uprooted mangrove trees from speeding boats

SAM proposes that the tour boat operators are only allowed to use 60hp or less boat engines when operating in this area. This measure can reduce adverse effects on the environment here. 

The mangrove forest is also polluted with garbage, plastics, empty bottles and other waste can be found floating here. SAM believes that if the problem is not curtailed it will contaminate not only the Kilim River, but also threaten marine life found in these waters. 

SAM calls on the Kedah Forestry Department, LADA and the Langkawi Municipal Council (MPL) to be more stringent in enforcing the law in order to curb this situation. Action must be taken against those who pollute the natural environment of the area. 

SAM is dismayed that the state of the environment in Pulau Langkawi in the recent years has declined due to the implementation of development projects that do not seriously consider the environment, cleanliness of the river, the sea and the importance of forests.

S.M.MOHAMED IDRIS

President

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Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Headquarters)
No. 1, Jalan Joki, 11400 Penang,
Malaysia
Tel: +604 827 6930
Fax: +604 827 6932

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Marudi Office)
129A, First Floor,
Jalan Tuanku Taha,
P.O.Box 216,
98058 Marudi, Baram, Sarawak,
Malaysia
Tel & Fax: +6085 758 973

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