Malaysia: Marine turtles lure foreign tourists

New Straits Times 24 Apr 14;

KUANTAN: Marine turtles continue to lure foreign tourists to Terengganu.

The magic weaved by these reptiles has seen a marked influx of foreign tourists to the state.

The turtles were the main reason why foreign tourists visited the state annually, said Public Service Department deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman.

“Therefore, continuous conservation (of the turtles) is needed. Effective conservation of turtles should be continued for education and research, and for our next generation before they face extinction,” said Zainal Rahim.

He said this after witnessing the release of two green turtles and 200 newly-hatched turtles at the Cherating Turtles Conservation Information Centre here yesterday.

Last year, the Terengganu Fisheries Depart­ment recorded 516 turtle landing areas, resulting in over 50,000 eggs. — Bernama