The Segari beach, about 35km from here, which has become the landing site for Green and Olive Ridley turtles, needs the serious attention of governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGO) to help conserve the endangered species at the site.

Currently, the Turtle Conservation and Information Centre in Segari is being run by the Fisheries Department.

But the Centre needs sufficient funds and manpower to ensure the 2.4 hectare area can be turned into a haven for turtles.

Perak Fisheries Department director, Sani Mohd Isa said the allocations they received was always insufficient to cover the expenses for the management, maintenance and development of the centre.   

The centre would be able to carry out renovations, such as security fencing, improve infrastructure for the hatching and conservation of turtles and increase staff, if it had additional funds, he elaborated.

    

"The sand used for hatching the turtle eggs must be replaced annually as there's a danger of viruses or bacteria which could jeopardise the incubation process," he said.

Bernama understands that the centre had not received its allocations for the past two years.

A survey of the place also revealed the necessity for an upgrade of its infrastructure and facilities for visitors.

Contributions and assistance from NGOs and private corporations were most welcomed for the maintenance of the area which receives the highest number of turtle landings on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, said Sani.

Understaffed

In 2010, 6,000 turtle eggs were recorded, while 2011 saw 8,000 eggs incubated, out of which 4,000 hatchlings were released into the sea.    

As of June this year, more than 2,300 eggs have been collected and about 400 hatched and released at the Segari beach, he said.

"The hatchlings are released early morning or late evening. We don't release them in the afternoon or when it's too bright as their chances of survival are slim," said Sani.

It is understood that the centre receives between 10 to 15 bus loads of tourists including from Japan, Korea and Singapore.

It also drew researchers conducting studies to enhance incubation methods to increase the number of hatchlings.

There were also no sign boards to indicate the centre's secluded location from the Ipoh-Lumut road.

Furthermore, the area had no perimeter fencing which made it easy to trespass.

The lack of manpower was obvious as there were only two staff who had to take turns to maintain and guard the centre 24-hours daily.

- Bernama