KEMAMAN – On July 31, 2024, the “Pelepasan Anak Penyu” (Releasing of Turtle Hatchlings) program in conjunction with World Turtle Week organised by Terengganu Science & Creativity Centre (PSKT) in collaboration with the Office of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Terengganu State (MOTAC) and the Student Tourism Club program at the Ma’Daerah Turtle Sanctuary Centre, Kerteh. There will also be a safety briefing from the National Security Council, a Turtle Talk from the Terengganu State Fisheries Department, Merambong tree planting, beach cleaning, and a lucky draw.
More than 70 students from SK Permai and PERKAYA Terengganu were also invited to participate in the program, allowing students to gain first-hand experience in conservation efforts. Throughout the event, all attendees were educated on the challenges faced by sea turtles, including habitat loss, pollution, and crimes.
Chief Operating Officer of PSKT, Nik Fahmi Nik Nordin said, this program aims to raise awareness at the school level about Turtle protection by having a closer experience with turtles and more appreciating the endangered species. He added that the program that takes place every year is part of PSKT’s annual program that is not only focused on science programs. He also expressed concern about the decreasing number of Turtle landings this year and hoped that this kind of awareness program would be able to restore the increase of this species. He said this to reporters after the turtle hatchery program in conjunction with World Turtle Week which took place at Ma’daerah turtle sanctuary centre, Kerteh.
This program also received cooperation from the Office of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Terengganu State (MOTAC), the National Security Council and Terengganu State Tourism Department.
The “Pelepasan Anak Penyu” program at Pusat Santuari Penyu Ma’Daerah exemplifies the power of collaboration and community involvement in environmental conservation. As participants released hatchlings into the ocean, they became part of a broader movement to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures for upcoming generations. Through continued education and engagement, the sanctuary hopes to inspire lasting change and a brighter future for sea turtles worldwide.
