15,822 Turtle Hatchlings Released In Penang Since 2021, Says CM Chow

BALIK PULAU, May 15 (Bernama) -- 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 said that during the same period, 273 turtle landings were recorded and 24,357 turtle eggs were collected at the conservation centre, located within the Penang National Park.

He added that this success proves marine biodiversity conservation in the state can be carried out consistently, despite challenges such as pollution and coastal development.

"Turtles are natural treasures with immense ecological, tourism and educational value for Penang, particularly in strengthening the state's eco-tourism agenda.

"Development and conservation cannot operate in isolation. The state must progress, but we must preserve environmental balance so that natural treasures like turtles do not go extinct," he told reporters here tonight.

Chow spoke to reporters after a turtle hatchling release programme held in conjunction with the CM Chow's Walkabout at Pantai Kerachut.

Also present were State Rural Development, Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol and Penang Fisheries Director Azimah Jumatli.

Chow said that coastal areas on the western side of Penang, including Pantai Teluk Bahang, Pantai Teluk Ketapang, Pantai Kerachut and Pantai Teluk Kampi Beach, have been identified as key landing sites for the Agar and Lipas turtle species. 

He added that these areas are sensitive habitats that remain free from excessive light and noise pollution, which could otherwise disrupt turtle landing and hatching processes.

"In 2023, we recorded the highest conservation achievement to date, with 79 turtle landings and 7,130 eggs collected. From that, 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," he said.

He noted that visitor statistics to the conservation centre have also shown encouraging growth, with 154,302 visitors recorded from 2021 to April last year.

That total comprises 109,351 local visitors and 44,951 international visitors, proving that environmental conservation can drive the state's eco-tourism sector.

Chow emphasised that the rise in visitor numbers demonstrates that conservation efforts are not only important for biodiversity preservation but also add value to the tourism and education sectors, as well as the local economy. 

-- BERNAMA