Chery Malaysia vice president Michael Chew hands over the automaker's contribution to Turtle Conservation Society Malaysia co-founder Dr Chen Pelf Nyok.
KEMAMAN, Terengganu: Chery Malaysia is supporting conservation programmes that protect endangered river terrapins and the health of the ecosystems they call home.The automaker had recently made a donation to the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS), and visited TCS in Kampung Pasir Gajah, Terengganu.
Chery Malaysia also symbolically adopted 31 terrapins and enabled the purchase of 16 bags of 20kg feed pellets for the terrapins currently raised at the centre.
The Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis) is critically endangered and found only in the river systems of Malaysia and Cambodia, making it one of the least known freshwater turtle
species.
The Kemaman river in Terengganu is one of the few remaining habitats where this species still survives.
Unfortunately, pollution, habitat degradation, and illegal egg collection have pushed the population to the brink of extinction.
Founded in 2011, the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia is the nation’s first and only NGO dedicated exclusively to freshwater turtle conservation.
Its 15-year community-based conservation programme in Kemaman has successfully combined scientific research, breeding and head-starting, habitat protection, and community engagement to protect and restore terrapin populations.
“The river terrapin is a living symbol of the health of our rivers. By supporting TCS, we hope to inspire more Malaysians of all ages to appreciate and protect this unique part of our
biodiversity,” said Chery Malaysia vice president Michael Chew.
TCS co-founder and executive director Dr Chen Pelf Nyok said, “We are grateful to Chery Malaysia for recognising the importance of protecting our river terrapins. This partnership not
only helps us sustain our conservation work but also raises national awareness of a species that is often overlooked.”
To date, the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia has saved more than 11,000 terrapin eggs, with close to 6,000 terrapins hatched and released into the Kemaman River.
Besides Terengganu, Dr Chen said terrapins have also been spotted in the rivers of Kedah, Perak and Pahang.
River terrapins play an essential role in maintaining healthy river ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as indicators of water quality.
Protecting them benefits not only wildlife, but also local communities, fisheries, and ecotourism.
Chery Malaysia’s support reflects its long-term commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and community engagement, ensuring that future generations inherit a rich and
thriving natural heritage.
