The change in the colour of the sand is among the ecosystem damage detected along the beaches of Pulau Lalang and Pulau Rumbia in Pulau Sembilan State Park in Bagan Datuk.

State Tourism, Arts, Culture, Communication and Multimedia Committee chairperson Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi said the quality of the sand was very important to ensure the beautiful 'Blue Tears' or the bioluminescent phytoplankton phenomenon, could be maintained.

"When too many tourists flock to the beaches and walk on the sandy areas, it will affect the phytoplankton. That is why the condition of the sand must be maintained," she told reporters on the sidelines of the state assembly sitting in Ipoh today.

The 'Blue Tears' or the phytoplankton phenomenon brings a bright blue glow to the beaches, which can only be observed at night.

Nolee Ashilin had previously announced the state government's decision to temporarily close the Pulau Sembilan State Park from April 1 until solid guidelines were formulated and introduced to protect the ecosystem and biodiversity in the areas involved.

Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah when opening the state legislative assembly meeting yesterday commended the decision made by the state government.

At the same time, the sultan also rapped tourism operators for failing to respect the rules and regulations set by the authority, especially in limiting the number of tourists entering the beach areas.

- Bernama