Kembara Media 2014 goes to Terengganu

Kembara Media 2014 goes to Terengganu

Date: 22nd November 2014
By: Stephanie Jong
Source: New Sarawak Tribune

Sampling raw and fresh honey, visiting a turtle conservatory and watching fireflies were part of an interesting trip for participants of the recent Kembara Media 1 Malaysia 2014 to Terengganu.

The week long visit started off with a stop at the Stingless Bee Honey and Propolis Project site, located at Kampung Pasir Gajah, Chukai, in Kemaman.

During their visit, members of various media organisations from across the country had the chance to sample raw and fresh honey produced at the farm. They were also given the opportunity to collect a small amount of raw honey from a honeycomb.

“The honey and propolis from Pasir Gajah’s production are high in quality and very nourishing, as their farming location is situated right next to the virgin forest at the edge of Bukit Beluia Cengal Rendang, Kampung Pasir Gajah,” said project spokesperson Mahairan Hassan.

“Bukit Cengal Rendang is surrounded by wild and natural plants, and is not exposed to environmental pollution. Furthermore, bee farmers have also planted a range of fruit trees, decorative landscapes, as well as shadings that enable multiplication of food source for their stingless bees.”

The bee colonies live independently by sucking up all kinds of flower nectars around their surrounding areas at any time, without having to be fed according to schedules by farmers. The honey and propolis of Pasir Gajah farm has been scientifically tested, and is certified with quality and nutrition.

To ensure purity and authenticity of their honey and propolis, the harvesting, retention, packaging, as well as distribution works are regulated and carried out by the Koperasi Warga Pasir Gajah Kemaman Berhad (KOWPAG) management themselves. Packaged ready honey and propolis can either be bought directly from the farm, or through a network of appointed authorised dealers.

After some sweet fun, the media entourage moved on to a turtle conservatory, set up by the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS), also in Kampung Pasir Gajah.

TCS is a non-governmental and non-profit Society that focuses on the research and saving of turtles, particularly freshwater turtles (and tortoises) in Malaysia. Since 2011, TCS has rescued more than 3000 turtle eggs. About 75 mother turtles have been micro chipped each, when they came to shore to lay eggs.

The Society currently leads two freshwater turtle research and conservation projects in the Setiu and Kemaman Rivers in Terengganu, with the co-operation and support from Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), as well as several local communities along the rivers. TCS also carries out educational programmes for primary school students, particularly those in rural schools along the major rivers in Terengganu. Additionally, the Society conducts outreach programmes to cultivate concern for wildlife among the public.

Current undertakings carried out by the Society include studying the river terrapin nesting ecology, saving river terrapin eggs for incubation, head-starting river terrapin hatchings, releasing of terrapins into the river, monitoring growth of head-started and wild terrapins, participation of local communities in conservation projects, organising awareness programmes in local schools and resorts, as well as spreading awareness to the public through Turtle Discovery Trips and Turtle Alley.

During the trip, Kembara Media 2014 participants also spent a couple of hours at Sungai Yak Yah, Chukai, in Kampung Yak Yah, to watch the fireflies. It was a delightful experience as everyone eagerly looked out for fireflies. Finding them was not difficult at all as they lit up and flickered here and there.

Participants in groups of 10 took turns on a small river boat and rode around the stream for more firefly sightings. The fireflies lit up the bushes like lights on a Christmas tree. Some tried and succeeded in capturing one or two for fun before releasing. Indeed, it was an unforgettable experience.

One place not toured was the Kenyir Elephant Village (KEV), but members of media were given a rough idea about the sanctuary. Located at Sungai Telemong, near Terengganu’s upstreams, KEV was built on  a 256 hectare land. The shelter’s building structure, constructed in April 2012, still retains its natural features in order to cater to the wild elephants’ habitat.

The Village offers ample facilities for both elephants and tourists. There is an arrival hall, an information and ticketing counter, a cafe, a restaurant, public toilets, five lookout towers, five transit platforms, a suspension bridge, elephant sleeping wards, an elephant food store, elephant coach houses, a field for educational elephant shows, relaxation spots, as well as car and bus parking lots.

Among activities handled by people of KEV include elephant bathing sessions (at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm), educational shows for visitors (at 10.30am and 3.30pm), elephant rides, elephant feeding sessions, photo opportunity with elephants, and the suspension bridge walk.

Other notable trips were an overnight stay in a house boat in the middle of Lake Kenyir, and a visit to a songket weaving workshop where participants met with a few songket weavers under the Suri@Home Project founded by the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).

At the end of the excursion, the media entourage were treated to an easygoing Media Night at a hotel restaurant in Kuala Terengganu. It was entertaining evening with plenty of prizes to be won in lucky draws and hampers to be taken home.

The Kembara Media 2014 was arranged to provide an opportunity for the government to promote development programmes that directly benefit the people, which will in turn benefit programmes implemented by the Central and State Governments. It was also to provide room for the State Government to clarify outstanding issues (if any) regarding the projects implemented, thus in hopes through media exposure and the publishing of accurate information, will clear general misconceptions that may arise.

Rare river terrapins get a shot at survival

Rare river terrapins get a shot at survival

Date: 20th October 2014
By: Tan Cheng Li
Source: The Star

Critically endangered river terrapins are bred and released to replenish their declining numbers in the wild.

On a sunny morning in early September, a huge crowd gathered by the Terengganu River bank in Kampung Dusun, near Kuala Berang in Terengganu.

Word had gotten around about an exciting event – the release of baby river terrapins. It appeared as if the whole village had showed up. When the staff of the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) placed two crates of baby terrapins on the sand, both young and old eagerly closed in to look at and touch the reptiles.

When instructed, the children each grabbed a terrapin and stood in a line. At the count of three, the year-old terrapins were placed on the ground and they instinctively scampered towards the water edge. A few headed the opposite direction and were gently nudged back on track. Eventually, some 100 baby river terrapins made their way to their rightful home.

Hopefully, the experience will stay with the children so that they will grow to care for river terrapins and help preserve the critically endangered species.

The terrapins that were released that day had been hatched and raised at the Kuala Berang Wildlife Conservation Centre in Bukit Paloh, a facility which was opened by Perhilitan in 1976 to safeguard the survival of river terrapins.

To boost the declining population in the wild, eggs are collected from nesting beaches along rivers and reburied for incubation at the centre near Kuala Berang, some 50km from Kuala Terengganu. If left in the nests, the eggs can be attacked by ants or eaten by predators such as monitor lizards.

At the centre in Kuala Berang, baby terrapins are raised in shallow ponds on a diet of fish pellets, moss and kangkung shoots.

At the centre in Kuala Berang, baby terrapins are raised in shallow ponds on a diet of fish pellets, moss and kangkung shoots.

The incubation period lasts 60 to 70 days. The hatchlings are raised in ponds at the centre for a year before being released so they are better able to survive.

Myriad threats

The river terrapin found in Malaysia was once deemed to be the northern river terrapin, Batagur baska, that is found in South Asia and Myanmar. It was only in the late 2000s that genetic work showed that the population that occurs in South-East Asia is a closely related species, subsequently named the southern river terrapin, Batagur affinis.

More research in 2009 further split it into subspecies: those in Sumatra and the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia are the western Malay river terrapin Batagur affinis affinis, while those in mainland South-East Asia (including the Peninsular Malaysia east coast) are the eastern Malay river terrapin, Batagur affinis edwardmolli.

Turtle scientist Dr Chan Eng Heng (centre) allowing schoolchildren to get up close with a river terrapin. - Filepic

Turtle scientist Dr Chan Eng Heng (centre) allowing schoolchildren to get up close with a river terrapin. – Filepic

Once found in huge numbers in most rivers and estuaries, B. affinis now faces an uncertain future. Years of exploitation of its meat and eggs have left it severely depleted. Sand mining, dam building, riverside development, aquaculture as well as river siltation and pollution have damaged its feeding and nesting grounds.

Poaching remains a threat due to spikes in demand for turtle meat in China. (The species is in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Flora and Fauna, so it cannot be traded.)

The Turtle Conservation Coalition, a global alliance of wildlife groups working on chelonian conservation, has listed the southern river terrapin as among the 25 most critically endangered turtles in the world. It is considered extinct in the wild in Vietnam and Singapore. It is rare in Sumatra and in Thailand, only a relict population remains in one river. It was thought to be extinct in Cambodia until a handful of nesting females was discovered in one river in 2000.

This leaves Malaysia, with its small and scattered terrapin populations in some rivers in Perak, Kedah and Terengganu, as the country with the most viable population of the critically endangered species.

Biggest terrapin population

Attention is focused on Terengganu as several of its rivers still have nesting sites – some are the world’s largest – for the species which locals call tuntung sungai. Protecting these sites is crucial to prevent theft of eggs. There are four gazetted nesting river banks in Terengganu: Pasir Temir and Pasir Lubuk Kawah along Terengganu River, and Pasir Kumpal and Pasir Tok Chu along Dungun River.

Male river terrapins (left) can be picked out from the females as they develop cream-coloured pupils and darkish heads and carapace when they are about seven years old. - KEVIN TAN/The Star

Male river terrapins (left) can be picked out from the females as they develop cream-coloured pupils and darkish heads and carapace when they are about seven years old. – KEVIN TAN/The Star

Sand mining is banned within a 5km radius of a gazetted nesting site, according to Terengganu Perhilitan director Yusoff Shariff. He says the inclusion of the species as “totally protected” in the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 has boosted its protection.

“Previously, we can only protect nests found within gazetted nesting sites. Under the Act, we can act against anyone in possession of terrapins and their eggs.” The penalties are severe: a fine of up to RM100,000 and/or a jail term of up to three years. Nevertheless, the law has never been invoked.

“Since it has been a tradition to consume the eggs, we put up signs instead to raise awareness on the protected status of the terrapin. In any case, the younger generation no longer eat them,” says Yusoff.

He says the other strategy to promote love for the terrapins is by involving locals in the conservation project. The department hires 15 villagers to collect eggs during the three-month nesting season from February to April, for a fee of RM900 each.

Nesting in the Terengganu and Kemaman rivers appears to be sustained. Between 1,444 and 2,023 eggs were collected annually for incubation from 2008 to 2013. A total of 4,850 baby terrapins were released for that period, with annual figures ranging from 710 to 944.

“The project has been successful. Villagers say the terrapins are nesting in more areas. We have released over 20,000 hatchlings since the opening of the centre,” says Yusoff.

Malaysia’s leading turtle scientist Dr Chan Eng Heng is equally optimistic. She observes that the nesting population of river terrapins in Terengganu River appears to be recovering, with nest numbers rising since 2004. This is an encouraging sign after the mistakes of the past.

In the early 1980s, construction of Kenyir Dam had severely affected the breeding population at the most productive nesting site, Pasir Lubok Kawah. Some 60 females had nested there between 1976 and 1987, but by 1988, only seven were seen. By 1990, egg collection had declined so much that Perhilitan resorted to collecting eggs from other sandbanks and rivers. Dams obstruct migrations between feeding and nesting sites, as well as prevent the accretion of sand that forms nesting beaches.

Raising the numbers

The population of river terrapins in Kemaman River also appears to be sustained.

“The hatch rates are on the rise,” says Chan who has studied turtles for 30 years. It was only in 2010 that the river was found to harbour nesting river terrapins, following a state-wide survey by the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS), a group founded by Chan.

Acting on the discovery, she initiated a terrapin conservation project in three villages along the river in 2011 – Pasir Gajah, Tok Kapor and Dadong. The three most important nesting banks were declared as nesting reserves by the Kemaman District and Land Office.

Chan gladly notes that the villagers have been enthusiastic about the project.

“They have been very co-operative, and do not sell the eggs. They monitor the nesting sites and collect the eggs for incubation, so we give them an allowance for that. We have trained the villagers in all aspects of conservation work … from collecting and transporting terrapin eggs to incubating them, and headstarting the baby terrapins prior to release.”

She has seen between 37 and 129 nests each year along Kemaman River. Since 2011, 3,057 eggs have been collected for incubation and over 1,500 baby river terrapins released. While the river terrapin populations in the Terengganu and Kemaman rivers are on the rebound, those in the Setiu and Dungun rivers continue to decline. As for the populations in Besut and Kerteh rivers, little is known.

Chan started a conservation project in Setiu River in 2004 which to date, has released 1,500 baby terrapins. The eggs are bought from villagers for RM5 each. They cost more than marine turtle eggs (RM2.50 each) because of limited availability since each terrapin nest has only about 25 eggs compared with over 100 for marine turtles.

Chan used to see between 17 and 30 nests each year in Setiu River from 2004 to 2009, but this has dropped to 10 and below in recent years.

“In Setiu, river terrapins are in bad shape. We find it increasingly difficult to buy eggs for incubation as villagers are not co-operating.”

She blames the decline on deterioration of the riverine habitat due to sand mining and pollution from aquaculture.

Discharges from aquaculture farms can raise river salinity and introduce pathogens, excessive nutrients and drug residues, hence altering the water chemistry. Last year, a shrimp farm at a tributary of Setiu River was instructed by the Department of Environment to build a direct discharge pipe into the sea.

Still declining

Outside of Terengganu, river terrapins are not faring well. Numbers in Perak and Kedah are still plunging. The species might exist in the other states but no one knows for sure since surveys have not been done. Perhilitan runs two other terrapin centres – in Bota Kanan, Perak (set up in 1967) and in Sungai Pinang, Kedah (1982). Aside from the river terrapin, these centres also breed the painted terrapin (Batagur borneonsis or tuntung laut).

Though Perhilitan has released thousands of hatchlings over the last 40 years through its conservation efforts, few have developed ino nesting adults because of persisting poaching and degradation of the riverine habitat.

In Perak River, declines have been dramatic. The 1,275 nests recorded in 1993 plummeted to 36 in 2009, according to a 2010 report by Chan. She says data provided by Perhilitan shows that it no longer collects eggs from nests found in the wild after 2009 as numbers are too few.

So at the centre in Bota Kanan, only the eggs laid by the captive terrapin population there (which has produced between 35 and 55 nests annually in the last four years) are incubated.

Once numbers are down, it is difficult for the population to rebound due to the species’ late maturity. Chan’s research shows that river terrapins breed only from 22 years old. And unlike marine turtles, they do not lay eggs by the hundreds; each nest averages 25 eggs. Their nesting season is also short, lasting only two to three months.

Chan, however, remains hopeful. “As long as we incubate all the eggs laid, and maximise the production of hatchlings, then there is hope. Hope also lies in maintaining rivers in a pristine state so that river terrapins will have a natural habitat and riverine vegetation for their food.”

TCS is seeking funding support so that it can expand its conservation effort to Kerteh River next year. The river was found to have nesting river terrapins from the 2010 survey, which was funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The group’s terrapin conservation work so far has been possible through funding from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Turtle Conservation Fund and Berjaya Cares Foundation.

To learn more about river terrapins or to adopt one, visit www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my.

Berjaya promotes turtle conservation

Berjaya promotes turtle conservation

Date: 22nd August 2014
By: Masriwanie Muhamading
Source: New Straits Times Online

KUALA LUMPUR: BERJAYA Hotels and Resorts (BHR) collaborated with the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia on the Turtle Conservation Awareness Programme.

It is aimed at educating children on the importance of preserving a balanced ecosystem.

The programme consisted of an interactive awareness talk by the teenage actor, singer and host Fimie Don, who is also the ambassador of the programme, games and 3D paper turtle colouring exercise.

Some 100 underprivileged children from Rumah Nur Salam Chow Kit, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Baitul Kasih, Praise Emmanuel Children’s Home and Angles Children’s Home participated in the event held at Berjaya Times Square recently.

Fimie, together with teenage singer Didi Astila entertained the children with a music performance.

The children, who were aged 6 to 12 years old also received duit raya and gifts in conjunction with the Hari Raya.

Similar charity programmes were also held at other BHR’s properties in Malaysia, namely Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Berjaya Tioman Resort, Redang Island Resort, Goergetown City Hotel in Penang and Piccolo Hotel in Kuala Lumpur during Ramadan and Hari Raya.

BHR corporate marketing and communications group director Abel Nelson Nang said apart from educating the children on the eco-system, the programme was organised to assist the underprivileged children and community in general.

“It is about giving back to society. We believe that we should inculcate a sense of corporate social responsibility in the company first.

“We would like to focus on promoting this culture within BHR and engage our people to be part of its activities,” said Nang.

Preserving Tioman’s treasures

Preserving Tioman’s treasures

Date: 12th July 2014
By: Noorsila Abd. Majid
Source: The Star

Tioman Island is still one of Mother Nature’s best-kept secrets.

Pristine sandy beaches, turquoise waters wash up on a seemingly endless procession of crescent bays, awe-inspiring marine life and mystical rainforest — which, according to legend, were formed by a dragon princess who, flying from China to visit her prince in Singapore, stopped to rest in the beautiful waters.

One of the efforts to keep Tioman pristine is the Berjaya Live and Care Excursion, a nature conservation project which involves Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia.

Already in its third instalment, the Berjaya Live and Care Excursion is aimed at promoting a better understanding of the unique bio marine diversity of Tioman, and how protecting them amid the booming tourism industry on the island is crucial to the eco-system.

“It is our corporate social responsibility project and a way of giving back to the community that we are operating our business in,” said Berjaya Hotels & Resorts corporate marketing & communications director Abel Nelsen Nang.

“Besides running a profitable business, there are other things we have to pay attention to.

“One of them is saving the environment.”

Beach-cleaning aside, 100 participants of the green campaign — comprising hotel guests and employees, members of the media, professional divers from Scuba People Singapore and primary schoolchildren — were actively involved in the Restore Our Awesome Reefs (ROAR), Revisiting Our Original Trees (Roots) and turtle conservation projects.

“MNS had protested against the construction of the RM40mil marina project for Tioman but now we are determined to rescue the corals around the area,” said MNS head of communications Andrew Sebastian.

The road trip to Tioman which began in Kuala Lumpur ended at the Mersing Jetty Point, which is four hours away by road.

Come September, Berjaya Air will cease its operations in Tioman and the only way to get to the island will be by land and sea.

From the jetty, the ferry ride to the island takes one and a half hours!

But it is a worthwhile trip especially as you get to dive and see the gorgeous corals on MNS Biorock, a key component of the ROAR project.

The internationally-recognised coral rehabilitation project has been successful in reducing the coral bleaching phenomenon in Tioman for the past two years, explained Sebastian.

He added that only a small number of “Crowns of Thorns,” which destroys reefs and upsets the balance of the underwater ecosystem was picked up compared to a total of 185 when the project kicked off in 2012.

This is proof that the Berjaya Live and Care Excursion is having a positive effect on coral beds and breeding grounds alike.

For non-divers, you can snorkel or just sit on the boat and witness how the coral transplants are partially performed.

The rescued corals are taken from a nearby marina and planted on the Biorock structures.

Watch out for the sea urchins, though!

If you are lucky, you get to see parrotfish, clownfish and shy turtles swimming underneath the crystal clear sea waters.

Back on shore, the media was taken on a 4WD ride along the super-steep Kampung Juara–Tekek trail for project ROOTS.

We were introduced to the flora and fauna in the Malaysian rainforest and the endangered napuh (greater mousedeer) – hunted mainly for its exotic meat, which was caught on camera roaming freely in the jungle here.

“Not only do we need the local community’s help in ensuring that the coral reefs we are trying to rehabilitate, sustain themselves, we also intend for Rakan Napuh members to monitor and maintain the trails and report and promote the conservation of these animals on the island,” said Sebastian.

“Both corals and napuh are biological treasures, and need our intervention to ensure their continued survival.”

Local schoolchildren from SK Tekek were also educated on turtle conservation by Chen Pelf Nyok, the co-founder of the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia and teen celebrity Fimie Don, who has worked the gentle creatures since he was 12.

“Just remember that the female turtles are hot babes because they are hatched under high temperature.

The male baby turtles are ‘cool guys’ because they need a cooler temperature,” said Chen.

Au contraire, consuming turtle meat (for longevity) and turtle eggs do not have any scientifically proven health values.

“These claims are unfounded as they were derived from folk tales and superstition,” said Chen.

“If we do not put a stop to it, the number of turtles, mainly the Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill that come to our shores to lay eggs, will greatly decrease.”

“This is not the only danger because the turtles are also killed for their shell which has high commercial value,” she added.

Of course, Berjaya Tioman Resort does not just bring you closer to Mother Nature.

The fashionably traditional chalets also offer you a green holiday in style.

The island resort boasts 268 rooms and suites that encapsulate the beauty of classic Malay architecture.

The rooms are equipped with individual air-conditioning.

It does not matter which room you opt for, the chalets overlook the picturesque Tioman coastal line and lush rainforest atop rolling hills.

If golf is your cup of tea, the Berjaya Tioman resort has an 18-hole golf course that comes with a breathtakingly beautiful view of the South China Sea.

For aquatic activities, the PADI dive centre is about five minutes by shuttle bus from the resort, with a whole list of activities catering to newbies, pros and children.

Techies beware, the resort has slow Internet connection and Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby. So, you can give Facebook and Twitter a rest.

There is no nightlife to disturb the peace, and the only drama comes from the scenery and the odd sounds of nocturnal creatures. Expect to see some hotel guests enjoying happy hour in the beach bar.

Will Tioman change? There has been talk of mass tourism but as yet, the island still maintains its captivating natural beauty. As such, it’s time Tioman takes a bow.

No benefit in turtle eggs

No benefit in turtle eggs

Date: 30th June 2014
By: Adrian Phung
Source: TheSun Daily

PULAU TIOMAN: Despite the fact that turtle eggs have no beneficial value, people in Sabah and Terengganu, especially the older generation are still downing it with delight.

Disclosing this at a conservation awareness talk at Berjaya Tioman Resorts recently, Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCSM) co-founder Chen Pelf Nyok said these people continued to indulge in turtle eggs in the false belief that they have a high protein content, is good for the complexion and relieves asthma symptoms.

“These claims are unfounded as they were derived from myths and beliefs passed down through the generations and have no scientific backing. Hence, our biggest challenge is changing people’s attitudes and mindset,” she added.

Due to this, she said the battle to save turtle eggs still remains an uphill task.

“If we do not put a stop to it, the number of turtles, mainly the leatherback, green, Olive Ridley and hawksbill, that come to our shores to lay eggs, will greatly decrease. This is not the only danger as these turtles are also killed for their shell and meat which have high commercial value,” she said.

Despite the challenges, TCSM will continue their research and conservation efforts, particularly for freshwater turtles.

“We currently lead two freshwater turtle research and conservation projects in Setiu and Kemaman rivers in Terengganu with the co-operation and support from the Wildlife and National Parks Department and the local communities,” she said.

However, she said the public could help by supporting turtle conservation projects.

“I believe that if all of us were to adopt some of these measures, the next generation will be able to continue seeing these amazing creatures,” she said.

The awareness talk, part of the environmental activities, was held by Berjaya Hotels and Resorts in conjunction with the annual Tioman World Ocean Day (TWOD) celebration.

Other environmental activities lined up are the dive clean-up by about 60 divers from Scuba People Singapore to remove as many sea debris and Crown of Thorns from sea beds as possible; the beach clean-up by the media and 40 schoolchildren from SK Tekek Tioman; a media update of Berjaya-Malaysia Nature Society Project ROAR (Restore Our Awesome Reefs) and Project ROOTs (Revisiting Our Original Trees) and a Turtle Conservation Workshop for Children conducted by Chen and co-facilitated by teen celebrity Fimie Don.