Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) co-founder and executive director Dr Chen Pelf Nyok said the terrapin eggs were incubated for three months, after which the hatchlings were temporarily cared for at the Terrapin Conservation Centre in Kampung Pasir Gajah.
She said TCS had collected more than 1,600 terrapin eggs this year, with over 1,200 successfully hatching.
Chen said the terrapin hatchlings were released in stages, with today's release marking the completion of this year's programme.
"I hope the terrapins released today will reach maturity and eventually return to the river to lay eggs," she said when met during the programme here today.
Last year, 680 terrapin hatchlings were released into the river.
Chen hoped the programme would encourage local residents to develop a greater appreciation for the wildlife in their area, while visitors could help raise awareness about terrapin conservation through social media.
"Through this programme, more people can learn about terrapins and support conservation efforts to protect this increasingly threatened species," she said.
Chen said that besides Sungai Kemaman, terrapins were also found in the Terengganu and Dungun rivers, where conservation efforts were carried out by the State Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).
Meanwhile, visitor Noor Hayati Mamat, 35, said she was excited to have the opportunity to hold and release a terrapin hatchling for the first time.
"This experience not only gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about terrapins, but also instils a shared sense of responsibility to protect their natural habitat," she said.
Another visitor, Hanafiah Harun, 48, said the programme brought the community closer to wildlife conservation efforts while providing first-hand exposure to the importance of protecting terrapins. - NST
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