Malacca Straits is a golden heritage of the littoral states such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. It is not only rich in marine resources but is one of the oldest and busiest shipping lanes in the world. By using the Malacca Straits, the Eastern countries petroleum Industry saves billions of ringgit annually. The Straits contribute half million tonnes of fish (more than 60% of the total fish caught per year) per year. In Indonesia, The Straits of Malacca contributes the second highest fish production after the Java Sea. High quality and safe fish harvest is extremely important to ensure sustainable socio-economic development and health of the people. Other economic activities such as mariculture, tourism, recreation and maritime industry are dependent on the viability and pristine conditions of the Straits. The Straits is also an important site for archaeological resources.
Today, the increase of shipping activities along the 1,000 km shipping lane and the rapid development in the coastal areas threaten the environment of the Straits. To ensure navigational safety in the narrow and shallow Straits, safe from different types of pollutants from industries, agriculture, land-used activities and domestic wastes discharged into the Straits and protect natural habitat such as mangroves swamps and coral reef, a specific concern is required. The Littoral states should coordinate and enhance regulation and reduction of pollution inputs, coordinate the establishment and enforcement of uniform standards for pollutants and environmental impact assessments, establish effective international marine pollution monitoring mechanism, develop a Straits Action Plan and jointly prepare a dynamic atlas for policy making.
The formation of MASDEC in UPM was a strategic action to tackle the issues related to the Straits of Malacca. MASDEC can be reactivate or redevelop towards an international standard of marine research centre or institute since the Straits of Malacca is internationally recognized as an important waterways and ecosystem. Malaysia and UPM in particular should take this opportunity and leading in the Straits of Malacca scientific research activities.
Today, the increase of shipping activities along the 1,000 km shipping lane and the rapid development in the coastal areas threaten the environment of the Straits. To ensure navigational safety in the narrow and shallow Straits, safe from different types of pollutants from industries, agriculture, land-used activities and domestic wastes discharged into the Straits and protect natural habitat such as mangroves swamps and coral reef, a specific concern is required. The Littoral states should coordinate and enhance regulation and reduction of pollution inputs, coordinate the establishment and enforcement of uniform standards for pollutants and environmental impact assessments, establish effective international marine pollution monitoring mechanism, develop a Straits Action Plan and jointly prepare a dynamic atlas for policy making.
The formation of MASDEC in UPM was a strategic action to tackle the issues related to the Straits of Malacca. MASDEC can be reactivate or redevelop towards an international standard of marine research centre or institute since the Straits of Malacca is internationally recognized as an important waterways and ecosystem. Malaysia and UPM in particular should take this opportunity and leading in the Straits of Malacca scientific research activities.
1 comment:
We had MASDEC before and now it has become a history. We can rename it to be more attractive although the concept remains the same.
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