TCS Calls For Firm Enforcement To Curb Crimes Against River Terrapins

CHUKAI, Feb 6  (Bernama) -- The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) has expressed concern that crimes against the river terrapin could become more widespread if enforcement measures are not carried out firmly and effectively.

TCS co-founder and executive director Dr Chen Pelf Nyok said the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) plays a crucial role in ensuring offences against the protected species are effectively curbed.

She said relevant agencies must intensify enforcement, surveillance and monitoring efforts, including taking firm legal action under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) against individuals found to have committed offences involving the threatened reptile.

“The enforcement of the law is vital in efforts to protect, conserve and manage wildlife and their habitats, including the tuntung.

“Among the offences still being detected are the consumption and sale of eggs, keeping the animals without permits and killing them,” she told Bernama when met at the TCS River Terrapin Conservation Centre, in Kampung Pasir Gajah near here today.

Chen said TCS is ready to work closely with PERHILITAN to track down offenders and protect the unique species from extinction.

She also urged residents to report to TCS and PERHILITAN any suspicious activities or individuals that could threaten the safety of the tuntung.

“TCS has also established a community-based group known as the ‘Tuntung Gang’ to help raise public awareness and strengthen conservation efforts to protect and save the tuntung in Sungai Kemaman,” she said.

In addition, Chen said the Fisheries Department has been urged to monitor river fishing activities that may pose risks to the species.

She said regular surveys conducted by TCS found that abandoned fishing equipment, such as nets, lines, ropes and hooks, continue to pose a threat after being left drifting in the river.

“On Jan 29, the carcass of a male tuntung measuring 47 centimetres (cm) in length, 37 cm in width and weighing 18 kilogrammes was found, believed to have died after becoming entangled in a longline in Sungai Kemaman near Kampung Pasir Gajah,” she said.

Chen also said TCS collected 1,825 tuntung eggs in Sungai Kemaman in 2025, an increase from 1,362 eggs in 2024, and is targeting the collection of 2,000 eggs this year.

According to him, the collected eggs are incubated at the TCS River Terrapin Conservation Centre for about three months before the hatchlings are released back into the river.

“Last year, 1,506 tuntung hatchlings were released, compared with 1,176 in 2024. River tuntung only begin laying eggs at the age of 20 or older, and the species lays eggs only between January and March,” she said.

 -- BERNAMA