I refer to the report RM20m reefs from old ships . Decommissioned foreign naval ships are very old and thus will be potentially rich sources of hazardous pollutants, such as lead, asbestos, and other toxins.

If they are to be sunk in Malaysian waters next year to create artificial reefs, they need to be 100 percent cleaned and certified by a credible international body to be completely free of any toxic materials before they are towed to Malaysia.

This is easier said than done and that is why scuttling at sea is the preferred method of disposal of such obsolete vessels.

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There have been many attempts in the past to dispose of old naval and merchant vessel by sinking them, but these have been totally rejected by all developed nations.

I certainly hope that Malaysia will not let itself become the dumping ground for toxic waste-ridden vessels on the pretext of helping the environment by forming artificial reefs.

The risks far out way any benefits.

If there really is a need for artificial reefs here in Malaysia, , there are many 'clean' unused vessels (dumb barges, etc) locally which could be used as artificial reefs, we do not need to pay RM20 million to buy other peoples' rubbish to pollute our seas.

If there is money to burn, then the RM20 million could be used for the fabrication of new specially built artificial reefs and when these are sunk, they would be totally pollution free.