Marine Park Gazzettement Impacts on Pulau Tinggi Community in Mersing, Johor

Abstract

Marine Park Malaysia is endorsed under Section 41- 45 Fishing Act 1985. Realization  of the Marine Park Malaysia  in  1994 brings 40 islands under  its  protected area.  Among these are  islands of  Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu, Islands of Payar in Kedah, the islands of Tioman in Pahang and  islands of Pulau Tinggi in Johor. The establishment of Marine Park Malaysia is to protect and conserve various habitat and aquatic  marine life especially coral, flora and fauna. Marine Park  Malaysia  is  endorsed by law and legislation to protect the natural resources around the island and its surrounding. Declaration of Pulau Tinggi as the Marine Park has honoured the efforts to protect natural heritage as well as to enhance the economy of the local people. However, it also has caused some problems to the people inhabiting these islands. This article examines the steps taken to gazette Pulau Tinggi islands as a Marine Park and its impact on the local peoples. It also discusses problem and challenges faced by the peoples  as a result of its endorsement under the protected area of Marine Park.