Since the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO), we have seen many sightings of wild animals roaming around freely, enjoying the great outdoors, much to the excitement of netizens watching from the insides of their homes.
Recently, another wild animal was spotted in the open waters close by – dolphins!
In a 43-second video posted by a Facebook page, 'N9 INFO TRAFFIC', dolphins were seen happily swimming along the water surface at Tanjung Tuan near Port Dickson. The video garnered much attention from netizens, with thousands liking it and sharing the video across social media.
While the dolphin sightings may excite fellow netizens who rarely get to see dolphins, let alone in Malaysia, the phenomenon is nothing new to fishermen or the Negeri Sembilan Fisheries Department (NSFD).
NSFD director Halimi Abu Hanip told Bernama that dolphins are usually found around Port Dickson waters and are a protected species under the Fisheries Act 1985.
“Local fishermen are aware of this and are not allowed to catch the fish. We hope members of the public do not disturb the animals,” he added.
Halimi said the Movement Control Order had certainly created a good impact on the environment and marine life in the area.
"It shows that in the absence of recreational or indiscriminate fishing activities and water recreation activities in Port Dickson as well as with fewer people around, these dolphins which often swim far away, will be bolder in approaching the coast," he said.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Fishermen’s Association chairman Abu Bakar Dawam said dolphins were a common sight among anglers while at sea.
“For fishermen, dolphins are a common sight. Of course, when members of the public see them for the first time, they may be surprised.
“The last time I saw dolphins was along a cargo ship route in Tanjung Tuan waters in December,” he said,
According to him, the mammals loved to be near large ships in the area as the wakes from the vessels allowed them to swim faster.
We’re happy to note the positive impact the MCO had on wild animals. Let’s hope our wildlife and environment continue to be protected even after MCO.
By: Siti Farhana Sheikh Yahya
