King Urges Promotion of Mersing Islands Tourism, Calls for Stronger Oversight and Conservation

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 21 (VoM): His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has called for the continued promotion of tourism to the islands of Mersing while urging authorities to strengthen oversight, monitoring, and enforcement to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.

Highlighting the islands as a valuable national tourism asset, His Majesty emphasized that proper and effective management is essential to preserve their natural beauty and ensure long-term sustainability.

“Recently, I saw on social media that tourist boats were overcrowded and visitor numbers were excessive. This highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation to protect our natural heritage,” Sultan Ibrahim stated in a post on his official Facebook page on Sunday (Sept 21).

His Majesty underscored that effective management is not only vital for environmental protection but also for the safety of visitors, the well-being of local communities, and the growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

The King’s remarks came after the Mersing District Office announced on Sept 18 that all scuba diving, snorkeling, and visits to six islands—Pulau Harimau, Pulau Gual, Pulau Mensirip, Pulau Mertang Timur, Pulau Mertang Barat, and Pulau Mertang Tengah—would be suspended immediately. The temporary closure is aimed at allowing marine biodiversity recovery and environmental conservation efforts.

Sultan Ibrahim reiterated his deep concern for the preservation of natural treasures, stressing that safeguarding Mersing’s islands is crucial for the benefit of future generations.