First government-linked company to involve in saving reefs
Published on: Monday, March 18, 2024
By: Noor Zafira Zayn
Monica with Ahmad Zaki.
KOTA BELUD: Jetama Sdn Bhd is committed to bring special changes to Sabah’s environment by taking their first steps as the first government-linked company involved in coral reef conservation efforts
Its general manager (Environment, Social and Corporate Governance) Ag Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar said it is an effort to open up space for more GLCs to be equally aware of the importance of being involved in efforts to preserve and conserve nature.
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“We are making this effort, we are taking on the coral reef nursery at the One Ocean Conservation Centre Borneo because we are confident that our efforts to take these coral reefs as our ‘adopted children’ are capable of bringing change to the sustainability of nature, especially the ocean.
“We want to support the noble efforts of parties out there who carry out efforts and conservation initiatives like this because we see and know that this seabed conservation is very close to us in Sabah.
“Sabah is a state with the best location and diving spots, one of the most beautiful on the list in the whole world and this proves that our effort to ‘adopt’ a coral reef nursery is an effort that is not in vain,” he said when met by the Daily Express at the Borneo One Ocean Conservation Centre here, recently.
Ahmad Zaki said local fishermen depend on sea produce and it is very appropriate to educate all parties about the importance of preserving and conserving marine life.
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He also also said that the effort of the conservation centre to focus on coral reef nursery work as a result of the bombing of fish in the sea is a noble effort that needs to receive the attention of all parties.
“I am interested and I am very moved by their efforts (One Ocean) when they are very committed in making coral reef nurseries a success and treating damaged areas on the coast and the surrounding seabed due to fish bombing activities.
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“Irresponsible parties who do not think about the long-term effects are the cause of the destruction of the beauty of our seas and beaches,” he added.
Ahmad Zaki also expressed his hope to invite more GLC companies, agencies and non-governmental organisations and the state government itself to come forward and cooperate in coral reef conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, the Founder and Manager of the Borneo One Ocean Conservation Centre Monica Chin also informed that the conservation centre is currently being developed and the coral reef nursery is being actively planned.
“We are here now moving 100 percent with our efforts and strength, without any involvement of outside parties and when Jetama contacted me and expressed the desire to help us by adopting a coral reef nursery as Jetama’s ‘adopted child’, I was very grateful.
“I believe this is a sign that coral reef conservation efforts are getting the attention of many people out there.
“I hope that all the plans that I and the One Ocean team plan to develop for this conservation centre will go smoothly,” said Chin.
Jetama will ‘adopt’ a coral reef nursery for a year with a donation worth RM5,000.
One Ocean also welcomed outside parties who want to join in coral reef conservation efforts and help them to jointly succeed in restoring coastal areas and seabed that have been destroyed by fish bombs.
“If you look at the map that we zoomed and recorded, the area around this island (Usukan Island), many are empty and the black area is the area that has been ‘damaged’ due to fish bomb activity.
“All coral reefs that live and grow naturally there are one hundred percent destroyed.
“If we don’t start activities to restore this area, then who else will, and when.
“One Ocean will always be active for this effort and if anyone out there wants to participate in our efforts, they can keep in touch with me by visiting One Ocean’s social media page on the Facebook and Instagram platforms,” said Chin again.
Borneo One Ocean Conservation Centre is located on Usukan Island, about 10 to 15 minutes by boat from Kuala Abai.
The conservation centre is completely privately owned and operated with a hundred percent environmentally friendly concept without pollution.
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