Plans Underway To Conserve Pulau Bidong

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SETIU: The Terengganu state government has made a commitment to conserve and protect Pulau Bidong and turn it into a destination for targeted tourism, says its Mentri Besar.

Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the state has partly approved some plans in a proposal put forward by the state museum for the island.

“There are many aspects we can work on and we will prepare enough funds for it,” he said on a visit to the site which once served as a settlement for Vietnamese boat people fleeing the war in the 1970s.

He said the island is expected to attract history enthusiasts, as well as those interested in eco-tourism and sports tourism.

He also said no other major development is planned for the island.

Dr Ahmad Samsuri said the first financial boost would come from the first round of petroleum royalty payments, which are expected to be paid by early September.

“This will help fund minimum maintenance activities on sites on the island, such as clearing undergrowth and repairing broken walkways to make it more presentable,” he said.

Over 250,000 Vietnamese refugees settled on Bidong between 1978 and 1991-.thestar