I've been on these little islands for 4 years now and in that short time so much has changed.  Carelessly planned development and tourism-related impacts are having a negative effect on the marine-life and the islands are losing their beauty and natural resources little-by-little.  Luckily there are people who are willing to fight for the environment, despite the task being so huge.

Since being here I have been so impressed with the 'new breed' of diver: the ones that care and are prepared to do something about it.  So therefore, I would like to thank the Reef Check Eco-Divers and all the others on these pages who are actually putting in time and effort to make a difference.  Our reefs are now surveyed and the data is being used to highlight concerns.  People on the islands are now more aware and prepared to do something about it.  The newly formed Operators Association will be making sure the Perhentians has a voice.  Education programmes are being conducted in the village to make sure the kids grow up with the right attitude.  We may not have won the war yet, but we are starting to win battles. 

I'm moving on now as I've been offered a job in Australia (environment-related of course) and am currently enjoying my last week on these beautiful shores.  I'm going to miss the Perhentians and Malaysia.  Until then, keep up the eco-work.  Thank you so much Wild Asia and Reef Check. Thanks to all of you who are making a difference.  I hope to come back some day.   

Peter

Peter,

It is sad to hear that you will be leaving.

Thank you for assisting Reef Check all this time. You and Anke have been a great help and support for us from the start and we really appreciate it. Going to miss your usual 'arguments' after every dives and the Reef Talk too.

Best wishes to you and hope we get to work again together someday.

* Now I have an excuse to get Reef Check to send me to Australia, for working purposes of course.

All the best!

Ummi