MELAKA, The Melaka Fisheries Department has identified 263 unique species of marine life in the waters of the Melaka Marine Park involving three islands namely Pulau Undan, Pulau Nangka and Pulau Dodol.

Its deputy director, Nawar Abd Karim said results of a study in the area found that among the species are coral reefs of the Acropora variety which are usually found in the East Coast waters.

"The presence of coral reefs here also shows that the Melaka Marine Park waters is still clear, unpolluted and unexplored.

"The area around these islands is comparable to the 42 islands found in Malaysia, with its treasures in the sea still untouched, in addition the coral reefs are found to be larger in size, are multi-coloured and in pristine condition," he told reporters here today.

Earlier, he attended a Corporate Social Responsbility (CSR) programme and promotion of the Melaka Marine Park together with media practioners. Also present at the event was Melaka Islands Development Council (MPPM) chief executive officer Azhar Yaacob.

Elaborating, Nawar said so far about 1,200 people have visited the Melaka Marine Park since the area was gazetted as the first national marine park in the state last April.

However, he said the council is identifying the appropriate number of visitors allowed and is limiting visitors to 200 people for a month to ensure that the marine resources in the area remain preserved.

"Apart from this, visitors who intend coming to the Melaka Marine Park also need to use the services of registered boat operators so that the number and water activities could be controlled in order to preserve the marine life there.

"Visitors can engage in activities such as swimming along the beach, scuba diving, snorkelling and island tours from 8 am to 6 pm,” he said.

Meanwhile, Azhar said besides scuba diving or snorkelling, vistors can also visit the lighthouse, at the summit of Pulau Undan which was built in 1880.

He said the lighthouse, supervised by the Malaysian Marine Department, is the second to be built in the country and this historical monument is still functioning.

"For those interested, a visit to this building can be arranged as it is not open to the public all the time,” he also said.

"Besides this, MPPM will continue with efforts to promote the Melaka Marine Park, especially leading up to Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM2024), so that more people will visit the place to witness the beauty and uniqueness of these islands," he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency