Chery Malaysia supports conservation of endangered turtle species

KUALA LUMPUR: Chery Malaysia is committed to sustainability, environmental protection, and community engagement in the country. In its recent endeavours, the automaker has taken a significant move towards the conservation of the Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis), which is one of Malaysia’s most overlooked endangered species.

Found only in the river systems of Malaysia and Cambodia, the Southern River Terrapin is one of the least known freshwater turtle species. They play an essential role in maintaining healthy river ecosystems and contribute to nutrient cycling, and serve as indicators of water quality. 

The Kemaman River in Terengganu is one of its last surviving habitats, but unfortunately, factors like pollution, habitat degradation, and illegal egg collection have pushed the terrapin population to the edge of extinction.

Chery Malaysia’s contribution to support River Terrapin conservation

To conserve this critically endangered freshwater turtle species, Chery Malaysia has made a donation to the Turtle Conservation Society (TCS). It symbolically adopted 31 terrapins and funded the purchase of 16 bags of feed pellets to sustain turtles currently raised at the TCS centre in Kampung Pasir Gajah, Terengganu. 

“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 Vice President of Chery Malaysia, Michael Chew.  

Protecting river terrapins will not only benefit wildlife, but also local communities, fisheries, and ecotourism, says the automaker.

Role of the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia 

Founded in 2011, TCS is Malaysia’s first and only NGO dedicated to freshwater turtle conservation. The organisation has been running a 15-year community-based programme in Kemaman for 

• Scientific research
• Breeding and head-starting young turtles
• Habitat protection
• Community education and engagement

So far, TCS has saved more than 11,000 terrapin eggs and close to 6000 terrapins hatched and released into the Kemaman River. 

While thanking the automaker, co-founder and Executive Director of TCS, 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 species that are often overlooked.”  

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