THE Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) is set to bolster its collaboration with Aquaria KLCC after both parties inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly manage and conserve endangered aquatic species, such as turtles, marine mammals and coral reefs in the country.
With the signing of the agreement, DOF Malaysia and Aquaria KLCC have committed to organising various activities while instilling the importance of marine life among schoolchildren and the youth.
The agreement was signed by DOF Malaysia deputy director-general Wan Muhammad Aznan Abdullah and Aquawalk Group director (management) Datuk Simon Foong. Witnessing the event was Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakthiar Wan Chik.
Held at the Angsana Teluk Bahang earlier this morning, the ceremony was attended by school students from SK Teluk Bahang and other representatives from DOF Malaysia and Aquaria KLCC.
Bakthiar, in his speech earlier, said there was a pressing need for Malaysia, especially a state like Penang that has experienced steady industrial growth, to give importance to the conservation of marine life and environmental sustainability.
“We must safeguard these species, which at the end of the day, provide a different perspective alongside the rapidly evolving industries in Penang.
“I warmly welcome this collaboration between Aquaria KLCC and DOF Malaysia, which is primarily aimed at managing and conserving endangered aquatic species in the country,” Bakhtiar said during the MoU signing ceremony this morning.
Simultaneously, two other important events also took place earlier: the unveiling of the Teluk Bahang Beach as a turtle nesting site and the pre-launch ceremony of the Marine Conservation Centre.
Based on previous records, between 2019 and 2023, mother sea turtles were spotted 292 times in Penang, resulting in the discovery of 27,701 eggs, of which 17,607 successfully hatched.
The two types of turtle species frequently found in Penang were Chelonia Mydas and Lepidochelys Olivacea.
In his address, Foong said the MoU signed today serves to reaffirm the long-standing and progressive relationship between Aquaria KLCC and DOF Malaysia.
“The DOF Malaysia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in marine resource management, while Aquaria KLCC stands as a beacon of edutainment and pioneering marine awareness to the public.
“Together, our expertise and resources will undoubtedly strengthen our collective impact on safeguarding the biodiversity of our oceans,” he said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat