(MY) dugong

September 5, 2006

Monday September 4, 2006-The Star

Attend to the dugong first

I REFER to your reports on the strayed dugong calf captured in the waters of

Pulau Kapas, Terengganu, " Strayed dugong calf rescued, kept in resort

tion> "

(*Sunday Star*, Aug 27) and " MB: We'll ensure dugong

c=nation> "

(*The Star*, Aug 28).

I think it is high time that we stopped quarrelling over which agency is

supposed to be in charge of the strayed dugong calf but instead take

immediate action to ensure that the dugong lives.

The call that " the authorities must take action " sounds all too familiar but

are we clear about which the authorities we are referring to?

A quick check with the Marine Parks Department in Terengganu reveals that

dugongs are not under its jurisdiction but that of the Turtle and Marine

Ecosystem Centre (Tumec).

But instead of answering phone calls and responding to enquiries about the

dugong, the Tumec has chosen to keep mum about it.

Sure, the centre had earlier despatched two officers to have a look at the

dugong but the officers were so well dressed that they did not even go into

the water to assess the condition of the calf!

The dugong calf is now being kept in a pool in the resort but for how long

can this go on? The sea water pumped in is sometimes too warm for it. And

yes, somebody is stationed at the resort to feed the dugong calf with

instant formula but are the feeding bottles sterilised daily? Is he taking

care of the calf like how a baby should be taken care of?

If the state Government is really serious about keeping the dugong alive, it

should hand it over to people who are really passionate, serious and

knowledgeable in taking care of it.

Otherwise, we will lose yet another dugong.

*CHEN PELF NYOK,

Kuala Terengganu.*

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