By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, April 27: Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park reopens to the public today, after closing for nearly a week since April 21 to facilitate an investigation into the discovery of the body of a diver at a dive site in the park on April 18.
The park’s reopening was announced by Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin who is also the minister in-charge of the division’s Disaster Management Committee (MDDMC) today.
The decision to reopen the park to visitors was applauded by local diving operators and centre owners as they had lost income due to Covid-19, and the park’s closure last week had added to their struggle to stay in business.
Prior to the closure, diving centre operators had sought Lee’s help so that diving activities can be carried out at Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park.
The diving activities were allowed to be carried out under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Upon receiving their (diving centre owners) request, I’ve contacted the head of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) on the situation and he (SFC chief) has agreed for the reopening of the park for visitors , but they must strictly adhere to the SOP laid down by the government,” said Lee in a statement. — DayakDaily
