nwheat
03-13-2005, 01:41 PM
The Star Online > News
Sunday March 13, 2005
Asia-wide steps to save the turtles
KUANTAN: The Fisheries Department plans to introduce a new course on turtle management for Asian countries so that effective measures can be co-ordinated to protect the reptiles.
Department director-general Datuk Junaidi Che Ayub said Malaysia was the leading country in turtle conservation in the region and had been successful in its efforts to ensure the reptiles did not become extinct.
He said the course would be organised under the Malaysian Technical Co-operation Programme (MTCP).
The programme, organised by the National Productivity Council (NPC) is aimed at sharing Malaysia’s knowledge and technical expertise in various economic sectors with other developing countries.
“We want other countries to take similar steps to protect turtles so our efforts will not be futile.
“We have been successful in our programmes but our efforts will not be effective if other countries allow the capture and eating of turtles,'' he said after opening the department's Meet-the-Client Day for the east coast zone here yesterday.
Junaidi was commenting on reports that dead turtles had been found in several beach areas, possibly due to them getting caught in fishing nets.
He also said Malaysia had embarked on conservation programmes since the 1950s and there were several turtle sanctuaries already established nationwide.
These include the ones in Terengganu (Rantau Abang), Pahang (Cherating), Malacca, Perak and Penang, he added.
“If there are any new turtle landing sites detected in the country, the department will take action to safeguard the places,” he said.
He also reminded the public that there were laws to prosecute anyone found to have violated regulations involving turtles, especially the endangered species.
On claims that the increase in diesel prices had discouraged some fishermen from going to the sea, Junaidi said the fisheries sector enjoyed a subsidised price and the quantum was decided by the Government.
“Although the Government is planning to reduce the subsidy it has provided, I think the sector still needs the financial backing,” he said.
Sunday March 13, 2005
Asia-wide steps to save the turtles
KUANTAN: The Fisheries Department plans to introduce a new course on turtle management for Asian countries so that effective measures can be co-ordinated to protect the reptiles.
Department director-general Datuk Junaidi Che Ayub said Malaysia was the leading country in turtle conservation in the region and had been successful in its efforts to ensure the reptiles did not become extinct.
He said the course would be organised under the Malaysian Technical Co-operation Programme (MTCP).
The programme, organised by the National Productivity Council (NPC) is aimed at sharing Malaysia’s knowledge and technical expertise in various economic sectors with other developing countries.
“We want other countries to take similar steps to protect turtles so our efforts will not be futile.
“We have been successful in our programmes but our efforts will not be effective if other countries allow the capture and eating of turtles,'' he said after opening the department's Meet-the-Client Day for the east coast zone here yesterday.
Junaidi was commenting on reports that dead turtles had been found in several beach areas, possibly due to them getting caught in fishing nets.
He also said Malaysia had embarked on conservation programmes since the 1950s and there were several turtle sanctuaries already established nationwide.
These include the ones in Terengganu (Rantau Abang), Pahang (Cherating), Malacca, Perak and Penang, he added.
“If there are any new turtle landing sites detected in the country, the department will take action to safeguard the places,” he said.
He also reminded the public that there were laws to prosecute anyone found to have violated regulations involving turtles, especially the endangered species.
On claims that the increase in diesel prices had discouraged some fishermen from going to the sea, Junaidi said the fisheries sector enjoyed a subsidised price and the quantum was decided by the Government.
“Although the Government is planning to reduce the subsidy it has provided, I think the sector still needs the financial backing,” he said.