ON a rare day along the Kemaman river, the usually serene banks transformed into a vibrant epicentre for the community. A crowd of 800 gathered, not merely as onlookers but as enthusiastic participants in the annual terrapin release event.
This occasion, meticulously orchestrated by the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS), showcased a community's heartfelt dedication to conservation.
The atmosphere was electric. The Society, alongside Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT), orchestrated a carnival in Kg Pasir Gajah. From traditional games to creative workshops, the essence was unity. Both adults and children were engaged, with jewellery box decoration and bracelet-making sessions keeping hands busy.
For health enthusiasts, free screenings ensured the event wasn't just about fun and games. TCS wasn't alone; the Malaysian Nature Society's Pusat Pendidikan ecoCare, Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Sea Turtle Research Unit showcased their projects, bringing a broad perspective to turtle conservation.
THE RIVER TERRAPIN'S TALE: FROM DANGER TO HOPE
With a habitat spanning across the expansive rivers of the Indochina region, the river terrapin (Batagur affinis) is a freshwater turtle that boasts an exclusive presence in only Cambodia and Malaysia. Yet, beneath this semblance of prevalence lies a critical reality: this unique species is teetering on the brink of endangerment.
Carrying the badge of a "Totally Protected" species, the terrapins navigate through precarious existence, their footprints faint and scarce on the tapestry of Peninsular Malaysia.
However, within the echoing silence of their struggle, a resonant voice of advocacy emerges, embodied by Dr Chen Pelf Nyok, the steadfast co-founder and executive director of TCS.
The dedicated conservationist shared reflections tinted with a decade of unwavering commitment since TCS unfurled its conservationist banner in 2011.
"Our gaze has never drifted. It remains firmly locked on the horizon of preserving the endangered terrapin species," she declared, weaving a narrative of a collective odyssey undertaken not in solitude, but in camaraderie with the Wildlife Department, a silent sentinel since the 1960s.
Chen also recollected the genesis of their project in Kg Pasir Gajah, saying: "When we began, we were backed by a small, dedicated group of six locals, the heart and soul of Geng Tuntung, who committed to gathering terrapin eggs for incubation. From that small group, today, after 12 relentless years, Geng Tuntung stands 14 strong, lighting the way in terrapin conservation."
The numbers this year were encouraging. A heartening 1,035 eggs were incubated, a significant rise from last year's 668. Chen attributed this to the "Terrapin Guardians" from Kg Pasir Gajah.
"Over 8,220 eggs have been saved since our project's initiation," she revealed, adding: "And more than 4,500 hatchlings have been reintroduced to Sg Kemaman."
ECHOES FROM THE PODIUM
Air Putih assemblyman Mohd Hafiz Adam lauded the efforts, emphasising: "Protecting our terrapins is paramount. I commend the Society and the communities involved."
Danny Hoh, Watson's general manager of marketing and customer growth and sustainability champion, presented a symbolic cheque to Chen, commenting: "We are dedicated to planet-saving initiatives. Our recent collaboration saw the release of hundreds of turtles over the weekend, and we have contributed RM43,500 to support conservation efforts."
Furthermore, Hoh mentioned that customers can support the conservation programme until Oct 30. For every specific product purchased during this period, RM1 will be donated to assist in ongoing conservation work.
EMPOWERMENT AND ENGAGEMENT: TERRAPINS AND MORE
Kg Pasir Gajah isn't just about terrapins. The community's spirit was evident in multiple facets. Before Covid-19, the society initiated women empowerment drives in Kemaman, enabling women to craft souvenirs and thereby uplifting their economic status. They even reached international shores, selling in countries like the United States, France and Australia.
Chen emphasised community importance, saying: "The life or potential extinction of wildlife affects locals directly. With wild terrapins, tourists throng to Kg Pasir Gajah, boosting the local economy. But without them, this vanishes."
The day culminated with hope and a pledge for the future. Chen left the gathering with a resonating message: "Our annual terrapin release, held every first Saturday of October, isn't just about the terrapins. It's about Kg Pasir Gajah, its people, its spirit."
Adding, she concluded: "Here, 12 years ago, our shared journey began. We hope that this conservation spirit endures and that Kg Pasir Gajah becomes a beacon of terrapin conservation globally."
The Kemaman river's banks bore witness to more than just a release; they echoed a commitment to conservation, community, and continuity.