KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 27 (Bernama) -- WWF- Malaysia has expressed shock at Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam's recent announcement the state government planned to develop Pulau Upeh, the primary nesting beach for the hawksbill turtle.
Its executive director/chief executive officer Datuk Dr Dionysius S. K. Sharma said, what was even more alarming was that the plan surfaced in the wake of WWF-Malaysia's meeting with the chief minister last month, over the importance of Pulau Upeh and other prime nesting beaches for the turtle.
WWF-Malaysia stressed at the meeting that legal protection of all prime nesting beaches, including Pulau Upeh, was needed, he said in a statement Monday.
Further to legal protection, WWF-Malaysia also stressed that only low-impact turtle-based ecotourism was feasible on the island whilst providing the state with valuable tourism income, as well as ensure the survival of the hawksbill.
Dr Dionysius said, proceeding with the development without considering the feasibility and the impact of the impending development on the turtle population, would have a catastrophic effect on the nesting habitat.
He said currently, the nesting beaches in Melaka, including Pulau Upeh, were not legally protected.
The viability of Pulau Upeh for hawksbill conservation is dependent on legal protection of the whole island.
-- BERNAMA
Extracted from: http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Orion is on World of Scout Movement Website!
Project Orion plants 1,000 Mangroves in Malaysia
The sun rises above the horizon, casting against the golden sandy shores of Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast, along which the Setiu River runs parallel. This is where the beautiful Setiu Wetlands, part of the Setiu River Basin and the larger Setiu-Chalok-Bari-Merang basin wetland complex lies.
The Setiu Wetlands is the largest nesting ground for painted terrapin (Callagur borneoensis) and are amongst the few remaining mainland nesting sites for the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), both of which are endangered species. The wetland is also a major aquaculture area and plays an important role for the local villagers’ livelihood. Project Orion ( www.projectorion.sg) is a 2-weeks Youth Expedition Project under the National Youth Council, Singapore, organizing by the Scouts from Singapore and Malaysia in collaboration with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia, with the aims of promoting turtle conservation and development of the nearby village, Kampung Mangkok.
Setiu Wetlands Project Community Liaison, River Foo said, “It was a fantastic experience for the locals and school children to interact with the team members of Project Orion over the two weeks. Although there had been visitors to the Kampung Mangkok in the past, but none of them actually spent time with the locals like the Scouts did. The commitment showcased by the Scouts in helping the villagers and the environment is truly inspiring. The opportunity for the locals to interact with the foreigners definitely boosted their confidence and thus encourages them to feel proud of themselves and their village. Besides, this is a good example for other future volunteers on how they can conduct activities with WWF and the villagers.”
On the 26th and 27th June, the wetland saw about 60 Scouts from Selokah Kebangsaan Mangkok, Kumpulan Latihan Kelanasiswa Malaysia (KLKM) Rovers and Project Orion coming together for a community mangrove planting session. A total of 1000 Asiatic mangroves (Rhizophora mucronata) and Nipah palm (Nypa fruticans) saplings were planted along the four sections along the Setiu River over the two days.
River Foo also mentioned, “The mangroves planting session with the team members of Project Orion and Scouts from Sekolah Kebangsaan Mangkok and KLKM Rovers was a huge success. Apart from the replanting activity itself, it has also raised awareness on the importance of mangroves ecosystem to the groups involved.”
This was an event that saw both local and foreign communities coming together for a common goal – the preservation of our environment and nature!
http://www.scout.org/en/information_events/news/2009/project_orion
Sunday, July 26, 2009
An 'Unhealthy' Appetite For Turtle Eggs in Brunei
Bandar Seri Begawan - The lucrative trade of turtle eggs which costs $1 per piece in the black market compared to RM$10 for six eggs is said to be the reason behind the smuggling of the eggs into the sultanate, a customs enforcement official said.
He added that the turtle,eggs or popularly known as `ping-pong ball' among the illicit traders were ordered through advance bookings and came from Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. In recent months, the enforcement officials caught the smugglers red-handed through land route via Kuala Lurah or through the sea route in the Brunei waters.
Thousands of turtle eggs were saved from the cooking pot when customs officials on Friday night foiled an attempt to smuggle in a total of 4,150 turtle eggs (pic right) here, thanks to a tip off from the 'public. It's the biggest number of turtle eggs seized by local authorities so far this year.
The Bulletin learnt that traders back in the Kota Kinabalu market are selling them in seclusion and only target certain buyers including Bruneians who park their Brunei registered vehicle at the busy market. It is not sold openly where a hand signal, indicating a round shape is used.
Asked on the fate of the confiscated turtle eggs, the customs official said they would either be handed over to the Fisheries Department or destroyed, depending on the order from the court.
The turtle eggs confiscated on Friday were hidden under dried shrimp inside 13 boxes were revealed after a search conducted by officers on a 4x4 vehicle at the Kuala Lurah Control Post. A foreign man aged 46-year-old was detained for further investigation.
Any attempt to smuggle turtle eggs into or out of the country is an offence under the Wild Life Protection Act Chapter 102 Section 8 (1) Museums Act 2006 Chapter 140.
Meanwhile, concerned readers called on the authority to start a marketing campaign to stop eating turtle eggs in an effort to save the turtles from extinction. Gathering Bruneians to take an oath to not buy, sell and consume turtle eggs would be a good step.
A taxi driver and a father of a child from Kota Kinabalu told the Bulletin that he used to drive all the way to Sandakan just to get the turtle eggs while a Bruneian fly to Kota Kinabalu for a day trip just to fulfil the cravings of his pregnant wife.
Turtles play a critical role in keeping the marine ecosystems healthy. Marine turtles are threatened with extinction including the practice of consuming turtle eggs, caught in fishing gears, poorly planned coastal development, marine and nesting beach pollution as well as illegal trade of their parts.
The event is supported by Baiduri Bank, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, Neptune (B) Sdn Bhd, City Neon Brunei, Kristal FM and Simpur. For more information about the event, call 2418888. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
Extracted from: http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com
He added that the turtle,eggs or popularly known as `ping-pong ball' among the illicit traders were ordered through advance bookings and came from Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. In recent months, the enforcement officials caught the smugglers red-handed through land route via Kuala Lurah or through the sea route in the Brunei waters.
Thousands of turtle eggs were saved from the cooking pot when customs officials on Friday night foiled an attempt to smuggle in a total of 4,150 turtle eggs (pic right) here, thanks to a tip off from the 'public. It's the biggest number of turtle eggs seized by local authorities so far this year.
The Bulletin learnt that traders back in the Kota Kinabalu market are selling them in seclusion and only target certain buyers including Bruneians who park their Brunei registered vehicle at the busy market. It is not sold openly where a hand signal, indicating a round shape is used.
Asked on the fate of the confiscated turtle eggs, the customs official said they would either be handed over to the Fisheries Department or destroyed, depending on the order from the court.
The turtle eggs confiscated on Friday were hidden under dried shrimp inside 13 boxes were revealed after a search conducted by officers on a 4x4 vehicle at the Kuala Lurah Control Post. A foreign man aged 46-year-old was detained for further investigation.
Any attempt to smuggle turtle eggs into or out of the country is an offence under the Wild Life Protection Act Chapter 102 Section 8 (1) Museums Act 2006 Chapter 140.
Meanwhile, concerned readers called on the authority to start a marketing campaign to stop eating turtle eggs in an effort to save the turtles from extinction. Gathering Bruneians to take an oath to not buy, sell and consume turtle eggs would be a good step.
A taxi driver and a father of a child from Kota Kinabalu told the Bulletin that he used to drive all the way to Sandakan just to get the turtle eggs while a Bruneian fly to Kota Kinabalu for a day trip just to fulfil the cravings of his pregnant wife.
Turtles play a critical role in keeping the marine ecosystems healthy. Marine turtles are threatened with extinction including the practice of consuming turtle eggs, caught in fishing gears, poorly planned coastal development, marine and nesting beach pollution as well as illegal trade of their parts.
The event is supported by Baiduri Bank, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, Neptune (B) Sdn Bhd, City Neon Brunei, Kristal FM and Simpur. For more information about the event, call 2418888. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
Extracted from: http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com
Friday, July 24, 2009
Indonesian police seize dozens of smuggled sea
Alit Kertaraharja, The Jakarta Post 22 Jul 09;
Buleleng police officers have seized 45 green sea turtles being transported in a truck in Buleleng regency.
The endangered animals, along with truck driver Made Winata, are currently being held at the Buleleng Police headquarters.
Seririt Police in Buleleng regency made the seizure at dawn Saturday, recovering the animals, aged around 10 years old, from the truck with registration number DK 9374 AU.
The truck was stopped on the way from Gerokgak, in the western part of Bali, to Busungbiu in the south.
Winata could not show official documents for the turtles, whose shells averaged 45 by 50 centimeters.
"I didn't know these turtles were being smuggled," Winata said.
"I was just told to take them from Rakyat Pegametan Harbor. I don't know whether they had official documents or not.
"All I know is, an army officer owns these animals."
Buleleng Police say they are waiting for an expert from the Buleleng Natural Resources Conservation Office before they continue the investigation.
"We've asked for a turtle expert to come over and help us, but we've had no one come," said an investigator speaking on condition of anonymity.
"We don't know how to handle these endangered creatures, and meanwhile, they're still considered evidence."
According to the The Jakarta Post's observations, most of the turtles had been left strung up.
Buleleng police officers have seized 45 green sea turtles being transported in a truck in Buleleng regency.
The endangered animals, along with truck driver Made Winata, are currently being held at the Buleleng Police headquarters.
Seririt Police in Buleleng regency made the seizure at dawn Saturday, recovering the animals, aged around 10 years old, from the truck with registration number DK 9374 AU.
The truck was stopped on the way from Gerokgak, in the western part of Bali, to Busungbiu in the south.
Winata could not show official documents for the turtles, whose shells averaged 45 by 50 centimeters.
"I didn't know these turtles were being smuggled," Winata said.
"I was just told to take them from Rakyat Pegametan Harbor. I don't know whether they had official documents or not.
"All I know is, an army officer owns these animals."
Buleleng Police say they are waiting for an expert from the Buleleng Natural Resources Conservation Office before they continue the investigation.
"We've asked for a turtle expert to come over and help us, but we've had no one come," said an investigator speaking on condition of anonymity.
"We don't know how to handle these endangered creatures, and meanwhile, they're still considered evidence."
According to the The Jakarta Post's observations, most of the turtles had been left strung up.
Extracted from: http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sea turtle connection: Sentosa and Pulau Upeh
Extracted from: http://wildshores.blogspot.com/
Pulau Upeh, site of the largest nesting congregation in Peninsular Malaysia, is to be developed as a Hawksbill turtle conservation site and potentially the next big tourism attraction in the state of Melaka.
Pulau Upeh, site of the largest nesting congregation in Peninsular Malaysia, is to be developed as a Hawksbill turtle conservation site and potentially the next big tourism attraction in the state of Melaka.
How is this connected to Sentosa?A satellite tracking study of Hawksbill sea turtles that nest on Pulau Upeh found that at least one of them, named Puteri Pulau Upeh (or Princess of Pulau Upeh) had spent most of her time in the waters off Sentosa!
And sea turtles have also been sighted in many locations among our Southern Islands.Pulau Upeh lies just off Melaka.
Every year, between 200 to 300 Hawksbill turtle nests are identified in Pulau Upeh and the nearby beaches. This population is significant as it is the largest nesting congregation in Peninsular Malaysia.Also, there is a 75% average hatch rate of Pulau Upeh turtle eggs handled by WWF-Malaysia; a 70% hatch rate is considered successful. (From Save our Sea Turtles by WWF on WildAsia 16 Feb 08)
The state government would be working with a private investor. Planned development includes upgrading the 120 chalets that had been abandoned for 10 years and construction of new ones. Work on the island will begin next month and is expected to be completed in a year.
Hawksbill turtles that nested on Pulau Upeh may travel 200 to 300 km to forage in the Riau Archipelago in Indonesian seas and the southern Singaporean waters, a satellite tracking study by WWF-Malaysia found. This discovery is a compelling reason to initiate transboundary, multinational efforts to conserve turtles. (From Save our Sea Turtles by WWF on WildAsia 16 Feb 08)
However, Worldwide Fund for Nature Malaysia chief technical officer for peninsular Malaysia Surin Suksuwan expressed shock when told of the revived resort project. “We are concerned that the project, if carried out indiscriminately, will result in irreversible impact on the turtles nesting and their nesting behaviour,” he said. He said the WWF had briefed state officials three weeks ago on the turtles and proposed a low-impact turtle eco-tourism project.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tourism and turtles for Pulau Upeh, Malaysia
Jason Gerald John, The New Straits Times, AsiaOne 16 Jul 09;
MALACCA, MALAYSIA - The state government is planning to turn deserted Pulau Upeh into a centre for Hawksbill turtle conservation as well as an eco-tourism attraction.
The island is the country's main landing site for the critically-endangered sea turtle species which belongs to the family Cheloniidae.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state government would be working with a private investor for this purpose and the planned development would include upgrading the 120 chalets that had been abandoned for 10 years and the construction of new ones.
"The island was initially bought by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and was supposed to be turned into its training centre but the plan did not materialise.
"We have now bought the island back for RM6.5 million and would be developing it with the private sector.
"Work on the island will begin next month and is expected to be completed in a year.
"The shores around the island will be preserved for turtle conservation."
Ali said this after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the purchase of the island between Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) and TNB.
CMI was represented by Malacca State Secretary Datuk Omar Kaseh and TNB by its president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh.
Ali said Pulau Upeh had the potential to be the next big tourism attraction in the state. He added that its location, close to the Klebang beach, made it easily accessible.
"The island would also be a stone's throw from the soon to be constructed RM250 million Arab City Klebang," he said, adding that the island could be accessed via boat from Sungai Melaka or the Boat Explorer jetty in Klebang.
Ali said tourists could visit the island to catch a glimpse of the Hawksbill turtle and this would also be promoted by the state.
"I have asked the state Tourism Promotion Board to look into offering packages for tourists to visit Pulau Upeh," he added.
Every year, between 200 to 300 Hawksbill turtle nests are identified in Pulau Upeh and the nearby beaches.
This population is significant as it is the largest nesting congregation in Peninsular Malaysia.
--NST
MALACCA, MALAYSIA - The state government is planning to turn deserted Pulau Upeh into a centre for Hawksbill turtle conservation as well as an eco-tourism attraction.
The island is the country's main landing site for the critically-endangered sea turtle species which belongs to the family Cheloniidae.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the state government would be working with a private investor for this purpose and the planned development would include upgrading the 120 chalets that had been abandoned for 10 years and the construction of new ones.
"The island was initially bought by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and was supposed to be turned into its training centre but the plan did not materialise.
"We have now bought the island back for RM6.5 million and would be developing it with the private sector.
"Work on the island will begin next month and is expected to be completed in a year.
"The shores around the island will be preserved for turtle conservation."
Ali said this after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the purchase of the island between Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) and TNB.
CMI was represented by Malacca State Secretary Datuk Omar Kaseh and TNB by its president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh.
Ali said Pulau Upeh had the potential to be the next big tourism attraction in the state. He added that its location, close to the Klebang beach, made it easily accessible.
"The island would also be a stone's throw from the soon to be constructed RM250 million Arab City Klebang," he said, adding that the island could be accessed via boat from Sungai Melaka or the Boat Explorer jetty in Klebang.
Ali said tourists could visit the island to catch a glimpse of the Hawksbill turtle and this would also be promoted by the state.
"I have asked the state Tourism Promotion Board to look into offering packages for tourists to visit Pulau Upeh," he added.
Every year, between 200 to 300 Hawksbill turtle nests are identified in Pulau Upeh and the nearby beaches.
This population is significant as it is the largest nesting congregation in Peninsular Malaysia.
--NST
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Day 15: Snorkelling, Sand and Go!
It's 8am. Everyone woke up feeling stoked for what were in for us. Snorkelling was the first activity for the day. However, today we went to an area with deeper waters where the corals were about 7metres away from human contact. Disappointment filled us due to the lack of fish swimming around the coral infested area. But we really enjoyed snorkelling overall as it was a totally new experience.
We decided to be “Robin Hood” for the day. Picking up a new sport isn’t that easy nor is it difficult. But in every game, people will sustain some form of injury. We got ours from archery. The scores were unlike the pros but some of us did well and most of us were caught by surprised. Even the guy who was supervising us, was smiling from ear to ear. 
The sun was scorching hot above our head and the soft sand beneath us, it was a totally awesome combination. Everything else was in a rush and what we enjoyed was the cooling ice cream soothing the dry throat after a long walk along the beach.Signing off,
Isa
Friday, July 3, 2009
Day 14: Welcome to Redang!
Our days spent at Kampong Mangkuk came to end today as we took leave to have our holiday at the sunny beach resort at Redang. Our boat delayed as there was a so-called 'traffic jam' on the waters to Redang. Once the boat arrived, we were off to suburbia.
Boat Ride!
Upon reaching we went into our respectives bungalows and we straight went for a buffet lunch thereafter. Then came activity number one. SNORKELLING! For me, it was my very first time doing such a water sport and it was so much of fun. Seeing so many species of the marine life right next to you is very amazing indeed. Some of the fishes were super colourful and very attractive. This would definitely be an unforgettable experience for not only me but also for my fellow peers alongside me.
Pumped UP!
Giant Clam!
Walking alongside fishesAfter the snorkelling trip, we took a break at the cafe and some of the guys and gals went to have a few games of volleyball till dinner time. After dinner, some of us went to explore the rest of the stretch of the beach while Nurul and Sijie went on a herping trip. And they found the wild residents of the island!
Giant crab measuring about with carapace of about 2-3 inches.
Therafter, they came across at least 7 monitor lizards along a stream which range from less then a metre and up to two metres!
And lastly the highlight - the finding of not one but two mangrove snakes. One of which measured up to about 1.5 metres long! What a night!
Signing off,
Ashok
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Day 13: One step away from Redang
Today is our last mission day..
First off, with all the work completed, it's clean up time! We proceeded to the house where we constructed the toilet to clean up the equipment we used for constructing the toilet. And off to lunch we go!
After lunch, we went to the Pink House to do some clean-up as well as do our last service for the WWF Info Hut by painting the Hut, building stairs and repairing hinges and latches for windows. While we were working, the local scouts were playing soccer and badminton near the Pink House. Upon completion, we continued with our packing of logistics to prepare for our trip to Redang.
First off, with all the work completed, it's clean up time! We proceeded to the house where we constructed the toilet to clean up the equipment we used for constructing the toilet. And off to lunch we go!
After lunch, we went to the Pink House to do some clean-up as well as do our last service for the WWF Info Hut by painting the Hut, building stairs and repairing hinges and latches for windows. While we were working, the local scouts were playing soccer and badminton near the Pink House. Upon completion, we continued with our packing of logistics to prepare for our trip to Redang.
Sijie painting the door pink.
Arvind building the staircase to the entrance of the Info Hut.Halfway during our reparation work at the WWF Info Hut, three of us went to Telaga Papan to release some newly-born hatchlings. This was the first time we could actually clearly see all the hatchlings scrambling to the sea, because release of turtle hatchlings is usually done in the night. This prevents preys from eating them.
Look at all these babies! :D
We're heading to Redang in less than 15 hours! Whee!
Signing off,
May Lwin and Melissa
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Day 12: A dead turtle and a BBQ dinner
We have officially completed our long run missions of the toilet and house repairs! Everyone is tanned now. The weather these days have been very humid and scorching hot. But we still persevere to strive our best and do our job well and good. Seeing the villagers so happy grinning from ear to ear made us smile too. Our hard work paid off!
Shocking news this evening: This is the fourth time that a dead Green Turtle was spotted. It was saddening to see the turtle laid motionless with blood bleeding profusely on its left eye. No doubt it has attracted swarms of houseflies! Nurul and River from WWF Malaysia suspected its death from drowning. There are barnacles seen and some skin was ripping off. Arvind and Nicholas helped to bury the turtle. I felt that the trip has come to a full circle as we buried the dead turtle.
At night, a farewell BBQ dinner was organised with the villagers for us. Muay Thai/ Tomoi and Silat were performed. We had a good time interacting with the villagers and the kids. Unfortunately, Oliver was bitten by a huge centipede and was sent to nearby hospital. He was hospitalised till next noon. Get well soon!
BBQ chicken
The guys and the kids.
Shocking news this evening: This is the fourth time that a dead Green Turtle was spotted. It was saddening to see the turtle laid motionless with blood bleeding profusely on its left eye. No doubt it has attracted swarms of houseflies! Nurul and River from WWF Malaysia suspected its death from drowning. There are barnacles seen and some skin was ripping off. Arvind and Nicholas helped to bury the turtle. I felt that the trip has come to a full circle as we buried the dead turtle.
At night, a farewell BBQ dinner was organised with the villagers for us. Muay Thai/ Tomoi and Silat were performed. We had a good time interacting with the villagers and the kids. Unfortunately, Oliver was bitten by a huge centipede and was sent to nearby hospital. He was hospitalised till next noon. Get well soon!
BBQ chicken
The guys and the kids. Signing off,
May Lwin
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