langkawi magazine

Nature SECTION

Mangrove Swamps As Strong Waves Barriers

Malaysia will set up a national tsunami early warning system targeted to be operational by the end of the year.

The country will also replant and restore mangrove swamps to act as natural shields against strong waves. Malaysia's new tsunami warning system will comprise a network of buoys and sensors monitored via satellite.

Announcing this, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said the system would allow officials to detect any sudden surge of waters so warnings can be sent out early. "Subject to the cabinet go-ahead, it can be done by the end of the year," he said. The cost has yet to be ascertained, but Mr Najib said it would be reasonable.

He welcomed any assistance from the United States, as the US had earlier indicated its readiness to help developing Asian countries put in place such a system. Mr Najib was speaking after chairing the country's first committee meeting on national disaster and relief management.The Malaysian government had been criticised for doing too little, too late.

A total of 68 people were killed by giant waves that hit four coastal states in the country. Families of the deceased, many of them fishermen, will each be given some US$5,000.

In another measure to try and prevent a repeat of the latest disaster,Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi ordered the replanting of mangroves damaged by the tsunami. Environmentalists say if there had been more mangroves, their complex root system could have reduced the devastation caused by the waves.

Dr Sharma Dionysious, WWF of Malaysia, said: "Originally most of the West Coast was actually mangrove-lined. Now, lost a lot through development. A lot of these places actually hit by the tsunami could have been saved especially the lives of people if there were more mangroves still lining the shoreline."

Thanks to the mangroves that act as natural protective shields, Malaysia said many coastal communities were saved from the full force of the tsunami.

There is now greater commitment from the government to conserve and restore mangrove swamps in the country.

Kuala Lumpur 10/1/2005