Kuala berang: A total of 400 juvenile river terrapins were released into their natural habitat in Sungai Terengganu, Kuala Berang, near Hulu Terengganu, today to strengthen the conservation of the endangered species and safeguard the country's biodiversity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that the release programme, organised by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Peninsular Malaysia) (Perhilitan) and launched by him, was part of the government's ongoing efforts to restore the population of the reptile species in the country. Arthur emphasized the vital role river terrapins play in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems and highlighted the threats facing their habitat, underscoring the need for serious attention to prevent extinction.

In his Facebook post, Arthur elaborated on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability's (NRES) commitment to supporting community- and science-based conservation programmes. He stressed that the success of these conservation efforts depends not only on government initiatives but also on the cooperation and support of local communities. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the cleanliness and safety of river habitats to ensure the survival of increasingly threatened wildlife species.