Malaysia: Sea Turtle Day celebrations to be held across three states

The Star 10 Jun 12;

PETALING JAYA: Turtle lovers are invited to show their support for the reptile in Terengganu, Malacca and Sabah in conjunction with the World Sea Turtle Day celebrations next Saturday.

Three locations in these states will mark the day with events aimed at raising awareness on the need to protect the endangered species and their nesting beaches.

As many as four of the seven sea turtle species can be found in Malaysia.

The events on June 16 are organised by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Malaysia in collaboration with various local agencies.

In Terengganu, the campaign, themed “Telur Penyu: Beli Jangan, Makan Pun Tidak!”, would be held at Bazaar Warisan, Jalan Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, from 8.30am to 5pm.

Activities that will be held include face-painting, exhibitions, a talk by motivational speaker Dr Harlina Halizah Siraj and a special appearance by players from the Terengganu football team, Skuad Penyu.

Malacca, home to the largest population of Hawksbill turtles in Peninsular Malaysia, would hold its celebration at Dataran Pahlawan in Jalan Merdeka from 11am to 8pm.

Among the highlights are a turtle race and a pledge to save the turtles using origami.

In Semporna, Sabah, a two-day-one-night camp will be organised for children in conjunction with the celebration themed “Celebrating World Sea Turtle Day: Sea Turtle Camp”.

Treasure-hunt games on the beach and snorkelling trips would also be carried out. For further information, log on to www.wwf.org.my.