KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 22 — The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF), through the Rantau Abang Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (TCIC), recorded three leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) landings along the Terengganu coast this month, involving 195 eggs that were transferred to a controlled incubation site for protection.

Director-General of Fisheries Datuk Adnan Hussain said the records provide important data to monitor leatherback turtle landings, protect the eggs and improve their survival chances.

The first nesting was recorded at Pasir Putih Beach, Marang, on Sept 1, involving 44 eggs, followed by 81 eggs at Rantau Abang Beach on Sept 13 and 70 eggs at Kuala Abang Beach today.

He said conservation officers successfully located and measured the nesting mother turtle during the third landing at Kuala Abang Beach at about 2am today.

The turtle measured 215 centimetres in carapace length and 115 centimetres in width.

Staff transferred all 70 eggs to the TCIC incubation site at about 6am and reburied them at a depth of 80 to 100 centimetres to replicate natural nesting conditions.

“The incubation period is expected to last between 55 and 70 days, depending on sand temperature, with TCIC conducting periodic monitoring of the nest conditions,” he said in a statement today.

Adnan said sustained conservation efforts, including scientific monitoring, nest management, enforcement and public awareness, as well as cooperation from local communities and fishermen, were crucial to protecting the species.

He urged the public not to disturb or touch sea turtles coming ashore but to immediately report sightings to the DOF for appropriate action.

The DOF also reminded the public that sea turtles and their eggs are protected under relevant laws.

Under the Terengganu Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 2021), offences involving the possession or sale of eggs, or disturbance of sea turtles, carry fines of between RM50,000 and RM250,000 and imprisonment of up to one year, or both, upon conviction.

The department also called on fishing communities, local residents and the public to report any sea turtle landings or sightings to facilitate timely protection and conservation measures. — Bernama