New Straits Times 14 Dec 14;
KUANTAN: The private sector should help the government improve facilities and support the operational costs of the turtle sanctuary in Cherating, as it could ensure the survival of the protected species in future.
State Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif said although the government provided an annual allocation for the sanctuary, more could be done if it received financial support from the private sector and individual donors.
“We need RM500,000 to operate the centre annually,” he said after releasing turtle hatchlings at the beach here yesterday.
He said the centre, which was under the Fisheries Department, could have a new building and modern information centre if it had more money.
“We already have a plan to upgrade the centre but it will involve high costs. Among others, the new centre will have a see-through floor that allows visitors to watch the turtles swimming in the pool below.”
Shafik said he had discussed the plan with the East Coast Economic Region Development Council and would try to get the support of companies operating in the nearby Gebeng Industrial Area.
He said Bumi Armada, an oil field services provider in Kemaman, had agreed to donate RM150,000 to the centre, which would be used to expand the hatchery.
The centre had stopped turtle-watching activities during the night to encourage more turtle landings in the area to lay eggs.
He said the centre provided temporary shelter for turtles, including for an 85kg adult turtle from the Rantau Abang sanctuary which is currently undergoing renovation.
With more facilities for visitors and the turtles in the future, he said the centre in Cherating could attract more tourists, especially children.
