BY ASYRAF HALIM
PUGU: More than 500 hatchlings of the green turtle species, scientifically known as Chelonia mydas, were released into the sea at Pantai Pugu through a conservation programme involving the local community and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said a total of 538 hatchlings, which had been incubated and cared for over approximately three months, were released into their natural habitat.
“This effort began about five years ago when villagers first detected turtle landings in this area.
“Since then, residents have taken the initiative to protect turtle eggs and work with SFC to carry out the incubation process before releasing them back into the sea,” he said.
He said this when met after the turtle release programme at Pantai Pugu on Thursday (April 30), which was also witnessed by villagers.
Len Talif said the initiative aligns with the Sarawak government’s emphasis on environmental sustainability, particularly in ensuring wildlife such as turtles are preserved to maintain ecosystem balance.
“Kampung Pugu is considered fortunate as it is among the locations where turtles land, although not all beaches have this advantage,” he said.
Len Talif also revealed that the survival rate of turtles is extremely low, with only about 0.1 per cent surviving to adulthood.
“Of the eggs that hatch, less than 50 per cent become hatchlings, and after that, they must survive entirely on their own without protection while facing various threats in the ocean,” he explained.
As such, Len Talif emphasised the importance of active community involvement in conservation efforts, including through community groups such as Turtle Rangers who help monitor and report turtle landings.
“Close cooperation with SFC ensures that every report is acted upon promptly while also ensuring conservation processes are carried out systematically,” he said.
At the same time, Len Talif reminded that tourism activities in the area must be regulated to avoid disturbing turtles, especially during nesting periods.
“We do not want an influx of tourists that could disrupt turtle landings. Controls are necessary so visitors can still enjoy the experience without affecting the natural habitat,” he said.
At the same time, Len Talif said so far only one species of turtle has been identified landing in the area – the green turtle.
He said further studies are needed to better understand turtle migration patterns, which are believed to span across Bornean waters to the Philippines based on previous tagging records.
“Not all beaches become landing sites for turtles as it depends on various factors such as sand temperature, humidity and suitable environmental conditions,” he said.
Len Talif said more comprehensive research will be carried out in collaboration with higher learning institutions to identify potential future landing sites.
“We hope more areas such as Teluk Melano and Belawai can be identified as turtle landing sites,” he said.
Len Talif also stressed that enforcement of laws related to turtle protection continues to be strengthened, but its success requires ongoing public support.
“Community involvement is crucial, including in channeling information to relevant agencies so immediate action can be taken,” he said.
