{
  "id": 6489114,
  "title": "Proposal to shut 4 Redang coral sites for 2 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/proposal-to-shut-4-redang-coral-sites-for-2-years",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T22:50:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1529402/proposal-shut-4-redang-coral-sites-2-years"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Terengganu government is considering a proposal to halt snorkelling and diving activities at four of Pulau Redang's 15 coral reef sites for a period of two years. This initiative aims to aid the recovery of ecosystems that have suffered extensive coral damage, with areas such as Pasir Akar, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, and Pulau Ekor Tebu affected by over 80 percent coral destruction. State Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris revealed that while natural factors and climate change played a role in the degradation, human activities were the main contributors.\n\nIn Pasir Akar, the extent of coral destruction is significant, with colourful portions now severely degraded. Similarly, Pulau Paku Besar has been devastated, with human carelessness being the primary cause of the extensive damage. Idris observed instances where anchors were dropped directly onto the corals, leading to their death.\n\nRehabilitation efforts are already underway, but the recovery process is slow. Coral plants planted in 2023 have only grown to about three to four inches. The proposal will be discussed with higher authorities, including Marine Parks, the Marine Department, and the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry. The aim is not to restrict tourism but to ensure the sustainability and regeneration of Pulau Redang's natural assets.\n\nDivers have expressed their concern over the declining health of the reefs. Diver Abdul Muhaimin Hou Abdul Bari Hsiung, 26, and Diver Abdul Rahim Abdullah, 36, both lament the state of the corals, with Hsiung noting that what was once thriving has now seen nearly 99 percent of the corals die, covered in moss. Hsiung added that Pulau Redang's unique beauty should be preserved and restored.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [
    "Four Redang coral sites to be closed for two years",
    "Aim to aid recovery of damaged ecosystems",
    "Human activities main cause of coral destruction"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}