Issues

Over before life begins

Over-exploitation of eggs
Belief in the aphrodisiac and health properties of turtle eggs is rampant among locals although it is not scientifically proven. Illegal egg collection can reach rates of 50% at important nesting rookeries. Even more cause for alarm are the many nesting beaches now reduced to small patches due to rapid coastal development. Globally, these ancient mariners are critically endangered due in part to the commercial trade in their beautiful, golden-hued shell, called ‘bekko’ or ‘tortoise shell’, widely used to make jewellery and ornaments.  

Hawksbill turtle and painted terrapin eggs are a delicacy amongst the locals and have been harvested for decades for human consumption. In 1989, the Fisheries Rules (Turtles and Turtle's Eggs) was enacted to protect these eggs from over-harvesting. It specifies that only licensed egg collectors are allowed to collect turtle eggs. However illegal egg collection is still prevalent.

In 1987, the Department of Fisheries Malacca established the first turtle hatchery in the state at Pulau Besar in an effort to protect all eggs for incubation. A new and more suitably located hatchery and information centre was later established at Padang Kemunting in 1990. However, this hatchery has been experiencing relatively low hatch rates for hawksbill turtle and painted terrapin eggs, which fluctuates between 0% and 77% yearly. This below optimal hatch success results in fewer hatchlings produced and released into the sea.
 
At policy level, WWF-Malaysia is advocating for the strengthening of the existing state enactment on turtles.


Loss of nesting habitat
Rapid coastline development has reduced much of the suitable turtle nesting areas. Historically, hawksbills have been known to nest on stretches near the Linggi rivermouth extending south to Tanjung Kling. Coastal villages, roads, tourist facilities and industries have mushroomed, contributing to the loss of nesting sites. Sea walls have also been erected along certain stretches to stop the impact of erosion, making those stretches impenetrable to nesting turtles.