WWF-Malaysia lauds depiction of local natural wonders on new banknotes
WWF-Malaysia hopes that this positive move will lend weight to efforts aimed at protecting our natural heritage and in safeguarding the biodiversity and species showcased in the new banknotes – namely the Kinabalu Park in Sabah and the limestone pinnacle rock formations of Gunung Api valley in Mulu National Park Sarawak on the RM100 note, the Rafflesia azlanii species on the RM10 note, the rhinoceros hornbill on the RM5 note as well as the hawksbill and leatherback turtles on the RM20 note.
We would like to point out in particular, the selection of hawkbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) for the new RM20 banknote, which clearly epitomises the government's acknowledgement of these majestic marine species. Both of these species are listed as Critically Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Over the last 20 years, there has been a 99% decline of leatherbacks and there are only two remaining nesting population of hawksbills of significant size in Malaysia – in the Sabah Turtle Islands and in Melaka with approximately 400-600 nestings annually in each state. Hawksbill populations in Terengganu, Johor and other states have declined by more than 60%. Two critical actions that should be taken for the conservation of these endangered species are: a nationwide ban on the sale and consumption of turtle eggs; and protection of their nesting beaches.
The Federal and State governments should implement these two actions as soon as possible in order to lend credence to Malaysia‘s position as one of the mega diverse countries in the world and to ensure that turtles are on our bank notes as a celebration of their presence in our waters and on our shores, and not as a remembrance for those that have departed.
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About WWF-Malaysia:
WWF-Malaysia (World Wide Fund for Nature-Malaysia), the national conservation trust, currently runs more than 90 projects covering a diverse range of environmental protection work. Since 1972, WWF-Malaysia has worked on important conservation projects, from saving endangered species such as tigers and turtles, to protecting our highland forests, rivers and seas. We also undertake environmental education and advocacy work to achieve conservation goals. By conserving our natural resources, WWF-Malaysia is helping to protect our livelihoods, food and water supply, thus securing our good quality of life and our children’s bright future. We thank our supporters whose contributions enable our conservation work. If you would like to donate to WWF- Malaysia or learn more about our projects, please call: +603-78033772 or visit: www.wwf.org.my or www.facebook.com/wwfmy
WWF’s mission:
WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature by:
• Conserving the world’s biological diversity
• Ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable
• Promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful production
For further information:
Ai Lyn Chong, Communications Officer (Species Conservation, Peninsular Malaysia)
Tel: +603-78033772 ext 6421, Email: alchong@wwf.org.my
Nadiah Rosli, Communications Officer (Peninsular Malaysia Seas Programme), Tel: +603-78033772 ext 6433, E-mail: nrosli@wwf.org.my
Neda Keshvar, Communications Officer (Protected Areas, Peninsular Malaysia), Tel: +603-78033772 ext 6412, E-mail: nkeshvar@wwf.org.my
For general media queries:
Michele Lin Sinnathamboo, Sr. Exec, Media & Public Affairs WWF-Malaysia, Tel: +603-78033772 ext 6303, E-mail: mlin@wwf.org.my
WWF-Malaysia lauds depiction of local natural wonders on new banknotes
