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| MASDEC Malacca Straits Services Publication MASDEC members Organization Chart UPM-JICA Faculty
of Science & Environmental Studies Other Related Links |
IntroductionThe Malacca Straits has been an important international waterway and it is now the second busiest shipping lane in the world. However, maritime activities and rapid development along its coast have brought about severe threats to its ecosystems and natural resources. Studies in various fields related to the environment and resources of the Straits are needed to effectively utilize and manage these fragile marine ecosystems. Thus, relevant issues pertaining to resource and pollution management can be addressed in the right perspective for the sustainable development of the Straits of Malacca and its environ. Effective management of the Straits of Malacca requires scientific data in various fields such as oceanography, ecology, pollution and resource management. At present, this information is limited causing difficulties in sustainable development planning and management of the Straits. Realizing this shortcoming, the formation of the Malacca Straits Research and Development Centre (MASDEC) in UPM is appropriate and timely. The center began its operation in May 1998, in conjunction with the beginning of the JICA-UPM technical cooperation on ‘Aquatic Resource and Environmental Studies of the Straits of Malacca’ and it’s formation as a center of excellence was formalized in June 1999 by UPM. This Centre draws upon the expertise present in the Faculties of Science and Environmental Studies, Agriculture, Medicine and Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Economics and Management, and the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Universiti College, Terengganu. The availability of a satellite research station, Centre of Oceanography and Mariculture Studies (COMAS) which is strategically situated in Port Dickson will further enhance the development of the Straits of Malacca project. The centre facilitates multi-disciplinary research and information exchange for the sustainable management and development of the Straits of Malacca. |
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Malacca Straits Research and Development Centre
