Kemaman:Some 690 terrapin hatchlings were released into their natural habitat at Sungai Kemaman near Kampung Pasir Gajah today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Chen Pelf Nyok, co-founder and executive director of the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS), stated that the terrapin eggs had been incubated for three months. Following this, the hatchlings received temporary care at the Terrapin Conservation Centre in Kampung Pasir Gajah.

This year, TCS collected over 1,600 terrapin eggs, with more than 1,200 successfully hatching. The release of the hatchlings was conducted in stages, and today's event marked the completion of this year's programme.

Dr. Chen expressed hope that the terrapins released will reach maturity and return to the river to lay eggs. Last year, 680 terrapin hatchlings were released in a similar effort.

She also emphasized that the programme aims to foster a greater appreciation among local residents for wildlife in their area. Additionally, visitors can help raise awareness of terrapin conservation efforts through social media.

In addition to Sungai Kemaman, terrapins are found in the Terengganu and Dungun rivers, where conservation efforts are supported by the State Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).