As I pick up my snorkel and mark it off my list of things to bring to Pulau Redang, I realise I do not have much time before the true purpose of me heading towards one of the most beautiful islands in the world will be gone.

Not long ago, off the coast of Sabah, approximately 130 to 150 sea turtles, compromising of mostly green and hawksbill turtles were found dead in a Chinese trawler. This unfortunate incident would most certainly spark a domino's effect on the number of turtle landings in Redang this year.

I am appalled by the lack of concern and inactivity of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry over this matter (not that I had much expectation of it, actually). I feel it is high time to address the loss of one of our most precious faunas, which ironically, is the symbol (or former symbol) of Terengganu.

That brings me to the purpose of this letter. I hope to reach out to the relevant authorities, more precisely, the state government of Terengganu. Idris Jusoh, being the menteri besar, must turun laut and see for himself the difficulties and struggles of one organisation to conserve the greenback and hawksbill turtles at Pulau Redang.

Seatru (Sea Turtle Research Unit) of Kustem (Kolej Universiti Sains dan Teknologi Terengganu Malaysia) has initiated various public awareness programmes to save the endangered species. I myself am one the successful products of Seatru's efforts; a member of the public who is aware of the grave situation faced by these gentle creatures.

I can only speak on the behalf of these creatures as I know they cannot vote, nor can they swing the political tide of Terengganu in favour of one party.

I urge you, Dato' Idris, to come not as a politician, not even as a menteri besar but as a responsible citizen of your state who is truly concerned over the future of the turtles at Redang.

The future of Terengganu might be bright under a Gelombang Biru , but I am afraid it is hardly the same for our million-year-old guests at Redang.

Spare Seatru some of your precious time to see for yourself the efforts undertaken and if you happen to drop by before May 16, yours truly would gladly host you at Seatru's humble abode of Changar Hutang.