Four out of seven of the world’s endangered turtle species are found in Malaysia, and especially in the state of Terengganu.
The Ma’ Daerah model is a unique achievement which BP is very proud of. It is the first sanctuary initiated in partnership between the Department of Fisheries, WWF-Malaysia and a private company.
The objectives of the Ma’ Daerah Turtle Sanctuary Centre focus on better protection for turtle eggs, better conservation awareness among community members, and stronger relationships among researchers and administrators.
Since its official opening in June 1999, we have been actively working together with the Department of Fisheries and WWF Malaysia to run regular education and awareness camps, beach clean-ups, and the Weekend with Turtles programme for participants to experience hands-on turtle conservation activities such as patrolling the beach, turtle watching, transfer of eggs into the hatchery and releasing hatchlings into the sea.
Because of work like this, we have received a number of health, safety, security and the environment (HSSE) awards. These included the Prime Minister’s Hibiscus award for exceptional achievement, and a Responsible Care Programme award from the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia.