14 May 2014| last updated at 08:51PM
By Olivia Miwil | olivia@mediaprima.com.my
KUDAT: Local community is urged to preserve areas with tourism potentials especially turtle nesting grounds which would benefit them economically in long term.
State Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang said he had received reports from Kudat Turtles Conservation Society (KTCS) that turtles had been sighted in the Kudat waters.
Some were also found to have came ashore to lay eggs at places such as Bawang Jamal, Pantai Kelambu and Bak-Bak areas.
“I have explained to local community living near the seaside not to disturb or harm the turtles or their egss.
"They should also report to KTCS (upon sighting the reptile) so that due care can be given to ensure eggs are hatched and baby tutles released into the sea," said the Tanjung Kapor assemblyman.
Teo was on a visit to inspect several sites, including an aquaculture farm, Kampung Bak Bak and Sidek Esplanade jetty last weekend.
"As of now, Kudat Tourism Development Council has designated sea near Kampung Tampakan for aquaculture development.
"Few villagers have been told to move their sea cucumber farm to other places to make way for the turtle conservation efforts,"he added.
Last year, KTCS had made its maiden hatchlings of 119 baby turtles released into the sea at Simpang Mengayau here.
Turtle population here is at risk of extinction as poachers cater demands of the reptile meat from Vietnam and China.
Read more: Locals urged to preserve tourism potentials areas - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/business/latest/locals-urged-to-preserve-tourism-potentials-areas-1.596851#ixzz322lSfUC9
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