Penang: Thanks to sustained conservation efforts, 15,822 turtle hatchlings have been released into the sea at the Pantai Kerachut Turtle Conservation and Information Centre here since 2021. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted that during this period, 273 turtle landings were recorded, and 24,357 turtle eggs were collected at the conservation centre, located within the Penang National Park.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chow stated that this success demonstrates marine biodiversity conservation in the state can be implemented consistently, despite challenges such as pollution and coastal development. He emphasized the ecological, tourism, and educational value turtles bring to Penang, particularly in enhancing the state's eco-tourism agenda. Chow remarked on the importance of balancing development with conservation to ensure natural treasures like turtles are preserved.
Chow shared these insights with reporters following a turtle hatchling release programme held in conjunction with the CM Chow's Walkabout at Pantai Kerachut. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including State Rural Development, Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol and Penang Fisheries Director Azimah Jumatli.
Chow identified coastal areas on the western side of Penang, such as Pantai Teluk Bahang, Pantai Teluk Ketapang, Pantai Kerachut, and Pantai Teluk Kampi Beach, as key landing sites for the Agar and Lipas turtle species. He pointed out that these areas are sensitive habitats, free from excessive light and noise pollution, which could otherwise disrupt turtle landing and hatching processes.
Chow noted that 2023 marked the highest conservation achievement to date, with 79 turtle landings and 7,130 eggs collected. From these, 5,168 hatchlings were successfully hatched and released into their natural habitat. For 2025, there were 67 turtle landings, with 6,470 eggs collected and 4,586 hatchlings released into the sea.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that visitor statistics to the conservation centre have shown encouraging growth, with 154,302 visitors recorded from 2021 to April of the previous year. This total includes 109,351 local visitors and 44,951 international visitors, underscoring that environmental conservation can drive the state's eco-tourism sector.
Chow stressed that the increase in visitor numbers illustrates that conservation efforts are significant not only for biodiversity preservation but also add value to the tourism and education sectors, as well as the local economy.