Over 757,000 baby turtles released in Terengganu as conservation efforts show results
The programme recorded an encouraging hatching success rate of 71.07 per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of conservation and incubation initiatives undertaken by the authorities.
KUALA NERUS - A total of 757,869 baby turtles were successfully hatched and released into the sea in Terengganu last year, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing marine conservation efforts to protect endangered turtle species and preserve the country's marine biodiversity.
Fisheries Director-General Datuk Adnan Hussain said the achievement was recorded under the Terengganu Turtle Management and Conservation Programme, which also documented 13,180 Green Sea Turtle nests and the successful collection and incubation of 1.07 million turtle eggs in 2025.
He said the programme recorded an encouraging hatching success rate of 71.07 per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of conservation and incubation initiatives undertaken by the authorities.
"Every hatchling that successfully returns to the sea represents renewed hope for the survival of this species and serves as an important indicator of the health of the marine ecosystem that we collectively inherit and strive to preserve,” he said.
Adnan was speaking to reporters after the release of 570 baby turtles at the Pulau Redang Marine Park in conjunction with World Oceans Day 2026, themed "Protect the Sea, Sustain Fisheries”.
He said Terengganu continues to be the country's primary nesting ground for green turtles, with key nesting sites located at Chagar Hutang Beach and Pasir Panjang Beach on Pulau Redang, Rantau Abang Beach in Dungun, as well as Geliga Beach and Ma’Daerah Beach in Kemaman.
In addition to green turtles, the programme also recorded 308 leatherback turtle nests and 23 hawksbill turtle nests (Eretmochelys imbricata) throughout the past year.
According to Adnan, conservation efforts have also contributed significantly to the state's ecotourism industry. In 2025, turtle conservation centres in Terengganu attracted 219,095 visitors, including 185,804 visitors to the Turtle Conservation and Information Centre (TCIC) in Rantau Abang.
He added that 186 conservation education and awareness programmes were conducted during the year to enhance public understanding of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and endangered wildlife.
"Protecting turtles means protecting marine ecosystems, safeguarding fisheries resources and preserving the nation’s natural heritage for future generations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director-General of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, said a total of 32 wildlife specimens, comprising mammals, birds and birds of prey, were released in conjunction with the World Oceans Day celebration.
The release involved 22 jungle fowl, four woodcocks, two porcupines and four eagles from three species -- the red-backed sea-eagle (Brahminy kite), Changeable Hawk-Eagle and White-bellied Sea Eagle.
Abdul Kadir said the wildlife release programme forms part of the country’s broader biodiversity conservation efforts while also helping to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting natural habitats.
He explained that such releases are conducted periodically, particularly when there is a surplus of suitable wildlife that can contribute to species enrichment in selected habitats.
Among the locations that have benefited from previous species release programmes is Langkawi Island, where the released wildlife has shown positive adaptation to its natural environment.
"The survival of wildlife depends greatly on the availability of food sources, suitable habitats, water resources and breeding opportunities,” he said.
He also urged the public to play an active role in protecting wildlife by reporting illegal hunting activities, snare traps or the use of poison to the nearest PERHILITAN office.
"Conservation is a shared responsibility, and public cooperation is crucial in ensuring the sustainability of the country’s wildlife and natural ecosystems,” he added. - BERNAMA
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