The Terengganu government plans to reduce tourist arrivals to Pulau Redang to 160,000 from 200,000 yearly, said its Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Za'abar Mohd Adib.

He said this was to protect the environment especially the coral reef from being damaged by too many divers as it impacted the ecosystem.

coastline 260906 beach "More that 200,000 tourists visit the island yearly and the number is growing. This is alarming as it could pose a threat to the serene environment," he told reporters today.

He said a RM10 million water supply project was being carried out in Teluk Kalong and Pasir Panjang on the island.

Za'abar said the state government was considering applications to build two more hotels on the island.

At present Pulau Redang, deemed as one of 10 most beautiful islands in the world, has 30 hotels and chalets, including a five-star hotel, boasting 1,059 rooms.

– Bernama