By Shahfizal Musa
Pix Izwan Azman

TASIK CHINI, 6 Feb 2014 – The National University of Malaysia (UKM) Tasik Chini Research Centre (PPTC) has started work to restore water in the lake to its previous pristine clear condition.

This follows the operation of its Fresh Water Laboratory Complex funded by the East Coast Economic Development Region Council (ECEDR).

Key to the complex was handed over by ECEDR CEO, Dato’ Jebasingam Issace John to the Head of PPTC, Prof Dato’ Dr Musrifah Idris last Friday. The ceremony was witnessed by UKM Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation Affairs), Prof Dr Mazlin Mokhtar.

Prof Mazlin said with the new facility, work can start in finding ways to restore the water in the lake to its original condition so as to improve the socio-economic status of those living in the area.

“Ultimately we like to see the lotus flowers that once was the trademark of Tasik Chini flourish again,” Prof Mazlin said.

He said improving the water quality in the lake will also improve wildlife in and around it. It can then be made into a tourist hot spot.

Plans are already underway to include the locals as the main players of the tourism industry there. It will open up employment and business opportunities for them.

Prof Musrifah told UKM News Portal that it was her intention to ensure that research being carried out there will benefit the local community. “That is the primary aim, the community must benefit socially and economically”.

With improvements to the water quality, life in the area will also improve. She has already set up a social and economic research group tasked with making recommendations on how to improve the living standards of the locals.

The second phase of the project is aimed at turning the area into an eco-tourism attraction. Once completed, it will open up opportunities for the locals to improve their economic status by capitalising on the uniqueness of the lake and the areas’ cultural heritage, Prof Musrifah said.