KUALA TERENGGANU: The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) is set to unveil the Turtle Management and Conservation Action Plan (Plan 2), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at ensuring conservation practices align with global sustainability standards.
In a statemen today, DOF underscored its unwavering commitment to addressing the critical issues surrounding the management and conservation of endangered species, particularly the invaluable marine treasure – turtles – that grace the nation’s waters.
Highlighting their ongoing collaboration with state governments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), DOF emphasized their dedication to raising awareness and facilitating information transfer activities targeted at various groups.
“The Turtle Conservation and Action Plan (Plan 2) that will be published is based on the International Fisheries Act on Endangered Species 2008 and the Fisheries Regulations (Turtles and Turtle Eggs) or the Turtle Enactment under state government law.
“In addition, a total of 344 corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes have been carried out in eight states namely Terengganu; Pahang; Perak; Penang; Melaka; Negeri Sembilan; Johor and the Federal Territory of Labuan,“ the statement said.
This move by DOF is in response to a special report by the Daily Express, titled ‘Reef Resorts Expands Hatchery,‘ dated Nov 12.
According to DOF, in addition to the CSR programmes, researchers at the Rantau Abang Fisheries Research Institute (IPPRA) in Dungun have also conducted eight studies related to endangered marine species, especially turtles, to identify the current status through ongoing research in several states.
“The distribution of informational materials that are interactive and user-friendly is also implemented by DOF in accordance with each age level and target group,“ it said. - Bernama
