Making a Splash!

Currents WWF-Malaysia Marine Programme Jul - Sept 2013

Tunku Abdul Rahman Uni College Collects 1,001 Mobile Phones to Save Turtles

Save Our Seafood (S.O.S)- Join the Sustainable

Seafood Movement

HAPPY DIWALI! May the festival of lights encircle

your life with joy and happiness!

The students of Advanced Diploma in Public Relations, Tunku Abdul

Rahman University College (TAR UC) collected 1,001 old mobile

phones during a three-day “Connect2Conserve” event at the

college’s KL main campus, garnering USD$1,001 (RM3,153) from

Nokia Sustainability Division (SEAP) that was donated to WWF-

Malaysia’s marine turtle conservation programme.

Nokia Sustainability Division (SEAP) had agreed to donate USD$1

(RM3.15) to WWF-Malaysia for every mobile phone recycled during

the event held July 10–12. By combining phone recycling and the

need to conserve endangered turtles, the event organizers also

collected 3,711 pledges from students and staff to stop the sale and

consumption of turtle parts and eggs, and to petition to the

government to amend Malaysian policies to impose hollistic laws in

protecting turtles.

Marine turtles are threatened by the sale and consumption of their

eggs, as well as pollution of the seas and nesting beaches, adding

weight on the need to highlight marine-turtle conservation to youths

through such events.

This was the TAR UC PR students’ third collaboration with Nokia and

this industry-linked campaign provided the students the opportunity

to enhance their PR campaign and as young Malaysians, to

contribute to our society’s vital needs of preserving and saving the

environment. Their enthusiasm and hard work paid off when at the

end of the event, the students broke their previous record on phone

collection.

Students and lecturers of TAR UC came together at the event to achieve

their goal of collecting old mobile phones to help turtle conservation

efforts. © Photos courtesy of Advanced Diploma in PR students, TAR UC

TMP Divers is a group of divers on Banggi Island who

volunteered their time and effort to do reef monitoring

and coral restoration around Banggi island. Initiated by

BYC, they are working to revive the island's natural beauty.

© WWF-Malaysia/Bobita Ahad

CLICK on the picture to watch the PSA!

Demarcation Buoys to Mark ‘No-Take Zone’ in Berungus Managed Area

Finally getting its first taste of the salt and waves off the coast of Berungus, the wooden boat named ‘Sinaran Express’ (Sunlight

Express), will be the completion to the eco-tourism package to Berungus. The wooden boat is an in-kind support from WWF-

Malaysia with funding from USAID’s Coral Triangle Support Partnership to the Berungus Community for the eco-tourism

development in the region of the proposed Tun Mustapha Park (TMP). The ceremony for hand-over took place on the 7th

September, with participation of Sabah Parks, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and other NGOs.

Eco-tourism will play an important role in reducing the pressure on fishermen of the region and on our marine resources. This

concept is well accepted by the coastal and island communities living within the proposed TMP besides being viewed as an

opportunity for sustainable income. Facilities such as homestay, toilet, clean water, and jetty are already made available and

‘Sinaran Express’ would fulfil the accessibility and finally commence the tourist influx to Berungus Island.

WWF-Malaysia 's support to the Berungus community came in due to the long-term cooperation and responsible performance of

the community members. The community of the village has already proven their commitment towards conservation work and

sustainability with regular patrolling and establishment of a ‘No-Take Zone’ to protect the area from being exploited destructively,

and also with further support for better awareness of the proposed Tun Mustapha Park – the largest marine protected area in

Malaysia once it is gazetted.

Currents Jul—Sept 2013

“Sunlight Express” for Eco-tourism in Berungus

A Community Dialogue session was facilitated by Sabah Parks and WWF-Malaysia on 18 September in Kudat for the

community from villages in Pitas district, namely Berungus, Lok Dangkaan, Malubang, Pansuran and Sawangon. The

dialogue was conducted to socialize the boundary of Berungus Managed Area (BMA) including its no-take zone, to clarify

the role of community in BMA and to build a common platform for the community from the five villages to address

conflicts and other existing issues.

At the end of the dialogue, the community representatives came to a consensus to have a clearer demarcation buoys for

BMA to provide better boundaries for the ‘No-Take Zone’ in BMA. They have also requested for a detailed presentation

about ‘No-Take Zone’ to other local fishing communities staying within the vicinity of the BMA, which Sabah Parks has

taken note of.

(Left) Representatives from the villages around Berungus discussed about the area that could be gazetted as ‘No Take Zone’ while

having some left for fishing. (Right) Pak Karim Laing, the guardian of the Berungus reef explained to the communities representatives

from other villages about Berungus Managed Area. © WWF-Malaysia/Bobita Ahad

The hand-over ceremony attended by representatives from Sabah Parks, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Kudat

Turtle Conservation Society (KTCS). © WWF-Malaysia/Sarmalin Sakirun

Green Educator Certification for GREEN members

Currents Jul—Sept 2013

Recognising the need for GREEN—a local youth's club passion to

preserve the environment and hunger to increase their

conservation knowledge especially regarding marine issues in

Semporna was given the right platform at the Marine Biodiversity

Conservation Workshop (MBCW) on 23 and 26-29 August at SMK

Tagasan, Semporna. The 5-day workshop conducted by WWF-

Malaysia included certification for Green Educator which will

evaluate GREENs practical skills and certification with Green

Educator Theory Examination. The workshop covered five topics

namely Species Protection for Sharks and Turtle, Fisheries in

Malaysia, Climate Change, Water Pollution and Marine Protected

Area. Each topic was presented by experts of the field such as

Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) and WWF-

Malaysia. Besides the certification examination, the workshop also

aimed to provide capacity-building opportunities to volunteers

among students and teachers as facilitator and awareness activity

planners, to identify potential champions within GREENs to assist

conservation in Semporna and to garner more interest from public

to be a member of GREEN in order to ensure sustainability of

Green Semporna for future conservation efforts.

A total of 46 participants were present in the workshop and they

participated enthusiastically throughout the presentation sessions

as well as outdoor recap activities. This workshop served as an

introduction to the Green Interpreter and Green Ambassador,

whereby ultimately these Green Educators will be certified as Green

Interpreters and Green Ambassadors and subsequently lead the

awareness events in and around Semporna to deliver conservation

messages. We hope this will further pave the road for local

communities of Semporna to champion for greener Semporna.

(Top) Participants in action during the Overfishing game.

(Bottom) Demonstration on how the ecosystem related to each

other present by GREENs.

©WWF-Malaysia/Massurayah Manimbora

©WWF-Malaysia/Massurayah Manimbora

ADUN Calls For Marine Education Centre To Be Set Up in Semporna

Sabah State Assemblyman for Sulabayan, Dato’ Dr Haji Jaujan Sambakong

proposed for a marine education centre in Semporna which would be a

teaching and resource centre for the local community as well as visiting

researchers. The marine education centre is aspired to be a resource bank

where results of marine researches, studies, historical background and culture

can be stored for use by the local community to be educated.

“It will also be a research centre for marine scientists from Malaysia and

overseas, as well as a tourist centre where visitors can learn more about the

wealth of marine life in the region,” Dato’ Dr Haji Jaujan said, at break fast

dinner on 13 August, hosted by WWF-Malaysia in appreciation of the

support for the conservation work done the region. WWF-Malaysia

welcomed the proposal and believed it will be a great support to the marine

conservation work in Semporna.

The dinner which included a presentation of WWF-Malaysia’s work in

Semporna as well as the launch of the first Anti-Fish Bombing song entitled

‘Suara Si Karang’ (Voice of Reefs) by local youth singers from Semporna, was

attended by representatives from Semporna District Office, Sabah Parks,

Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Fisheries Department, Malaysian Maritime

Enforcement Agency, Semporna District Education Office, Semporna District

Mosque, Semporna District Library, WAPO, Green Semporna volunteers,

Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) and Head of

Villages from island communities, as well as representatives from the tourism

industry and schools.

(Top) Token of appreciation presented to Sabah State

Assemblyman, Dato’ Dr Haji Jaujan Sambakong.

(Bottom) ‘Suara Si Karang’, first Anti-Fish Bombing

song performed by Semporna youth singers.

©WWF-Malaysia

©WWF-Malaysia/Monique Sumampouw

Currents Jul—Sept 2013

Federal and State Directors of Handicraft Malaysia Meet and Motivate MICA and PARAWATI Members

Corals Get a Second Home to Grow off the Coast of Banggi Island

Banggi island was victimised by the use of destructive fishing methods carried out by local fishermen and those from

neighbouring islands, leaving the ocean floor off coast akin to an underwater desert. In an effort to revive its glory, Banggi Youth

Club (BYC) members—local youth in the biggest island within the proposed Tun Mustapha Park—took charge and decided that

their home island need superheroes presence.

The BYC members gathered to plan and subsequently initiated a mini-project within their own capacity to restore the affected

reefs around their island. They took turns from their busy schedule to patrol around the island daily ant to build coral frames.

Creative minds resulted in coral frames in the shape of their BYC logo, crocodile, manta ray, giant clam, turtle and sea cucumber.

After weeks of planning and construction, BYC members set the date 19 September to officially launch the Coral Restoration

Programme in Karakit, Banggi Island. The launch was officiated by Mr Chin Tet Foh, Fisheries Department of Sabah with presence

from Kudat Turtle Conservation Society (KTCS), Maliangin Island Community Association (MICA) and media friends.

BYC members check the growth of the coral fragments planted on a daily basis while patrolling the island from encroachment

activities and fish bombing incidents. It is hoped that with these coral frames deposited, it will encourage the return of reef fishes

and other fishes that are important for local consumption as well as potential tourism opportunity.

(Left) Omar Bural, President of TMP Divers posed next to a crocodile-shaped coral frame deposited during the launch. © WWF-

Malaysia/Bobita Ahad. (Right) Representative present during the launch attached a coral fragment to a turtle-shaped coral frame,

hopefully it will grow well at its new home. © WWF-Malaysia/Hui Ling

Following the engagement with Handicraft Malaysia during

the Pandanus Handicraft Making Workshop in November last

year, Ibrahim Ismail, Director of Handicraft Malaysia made his

first visit to Banggi Island on 19 September to meet and greet

MICA and PARAWATI members. Braving through the rough

seas from Kudat, he expressed his admiration for the beautiful

island and commended the women weavers for their excellent

weaving skills and delicate products.

During his speech, Ibrahim stated his support for MICA and

PARAWATI and voiced his expectation for MICA products to

be recognised at the national as well as international handi-

craft industry. He also brought with him an entrepreneur to

provide a motivational speech aimed to boost the confidence

of these women weavers in order to aim for improvement and

opportunities available at national and international level.

The visit provided the opportunity for Handicraft Malaysia to

recognise the hidden tradition and possible income generator

for Banggi Island as well as a potential player to the handicraft

industry in the country. This fruitful visit had injected the sense

of assurance to the local women to continue weaving unique

products.

(Top) Aziz Amirbangsah giving his welcoming remarks.

(Bottom left and right) Some handicrafts exhibited during the visit.

© WWF-Malaysia/Hui Ling

Currents Jul—Sept 2013

Linking Islamic Obligation to Environmental Stewardship of Marine Turtles

Recognising that there are numerous sets of discourse on environmental

issues in Islam, the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia held a one-day

Forum entitled ‘Muzakarah Pakar “Pendidikan dan Kesedaran Alam Sekitar:

Penglibatan Komuniti Islam” on 2 July which emphasized on the role of the

Islamic Community in advancing environmental education and awareness.

WWF-Malaysia’s Terengganu Turtle Team leader, Rahayu Zulkifli was one of the

presenters to speak on the organization’s experience on conservation using the

Islamic approach for two of the most important flagship species and national

icons - the Malayan tiger and marine turtles. Citing examples of the awareness

activities carried out in local communities since 2008 with religious bodies and

groups, efforts are still ongoing to educate the masses on the roles a Muslim can

play in the protection and conservation of these species. One of the efforts

carried out was the publication of the ‘Islam, Wildlife Conservation and You’

reference book.

Since its launch, the book has been an effective tool in reaching out to the local

communities in Terengganu to champion turtle conservation along with

workshops with WWF-Malaysia which was attended by local Imams and religious

speakers. The reference book was used in advocating the direct link between

Islamic obligation and the environment.

Satellite-Tracked Turtles Named after World Sea Turtle Day’s ‘Turtle Run’ Winners

Winners of the World Sea Turtle Day (WSTD) Celebration

held in Kuala Terengganu on 22 June not only crossed the

finishing line with the fastest time, but they will now cross

international borders too through their turtle namesake.

4 turtles at WWF-Malaysia’s project sites in Terengganu,

namely Kerteh and Setiu which have been deployed with

satellite transmitters during the turtle nesting season which

ended recently, have been named after the winners of the

run. Themed ‘Race Against Extinction’, the 8km run was

participated by some 600 marathon enthusiasts.

Che Engku Nor Amiza Bt. Che Engku Chik, winner of the

first place for the Open (Female) Category had a healthy

female turtle named as ‘Amiza’. Another turtle, given the

name ‘Anies’ shares her marine journeys with winner of

the Under 18 (Female) Category, 16 year-old Anies

Zarryna 'Amdan.

Winner for the first place for Open (Male) Category, Mohd

Feldarus Abdul Rahman named his turtle 'Zainab' after his

mother while winner of the Under 18 (Male) Category was

16 year-old Wan Marzuki Wan Mohamad who named

his turtle 'Ramlah', also after his mother.

Through satellite telemetry, WWF-Malaysia will now be

able to track the journey of these 4 turtles back to her

feeding grounds. Marine turtles are dependent on the

beach for egg incubation and spend most of their lifetime

in coastal waters, feeding in coral reefs. Deployment of the

satellite transmitters is crucial for a better understanding of

their post-nesting movement and habitat use.

(Top) Runners at the WSTD Turtle Run in Terengganu. (Bottom Left) One

of the winners, Che Engku Nor Amiza Che Engku Chik. (Bottom Right)

Turtle tagged witih a satellite transmitter in Kerteh named ‘Amiza’.

© WWF-Malaysia/Sharifah Ruqaiyah

(Top) WWF-Malaysia’s Rahayu Zulkifli presented

at the Forum. (Bottom) The topic of Islam and

the Environment promoted healthy debate

amongst the participants.

© WWF-Malaysia/Nadiah Rosli

Currents Jul—Sept 2013

Dying Tradition of Fish Listeners in Setiu Captivates

Audience at Malaysia Day Documentary Screening

Declining fish stocks and Setiu’s biologically diverse ecosystem were packaged in a poignant yet urgent love story of sorts in ‘Fish

Listeners of Setiu Lagoons’ screened to the public at the ‘Malaysia Day Street Festival’ in Kuala Lumpur on 16 September. The

story looks into the dying art of locating fish through listening in Setiu Lagoons, Terengganu. Produced by Apparat and funded

under the ‘Ke Persada Dunia’ programme of the National Film Development Board (FINAS), the documentary examines the

symbiotic relationship between the local fishing community and their environment – a unique coastal wetlands which is under

threat from rapid and incompatible development.

The documentary captures the story of Pak Harun and his son, Polo, the last fish listeners who today are a dying breed as a result

of depleting fish stocks and changes in the fishing industry. At a time when modern fishing methods are designed to maximise

fish catches, Pak Harun and Polo’s tale signals the demise of traditional fisherfolk and with it, changing our relationship with the

sea forever. To understand the key issues affecting our dwindling fish stocks and for an insight into Setiu Wetlands, a panel

discussion was conducted after the documentary screening with the panelists comprising Dr Dionysius, Dain Iskandar Said, the

Director, Writer and Narrator of the documentary and Dr Megat Al Imran, the Deputy Director General of FINAS. ish Listeners of

Setiu Lagoons’ was screened as part of the ‘Malaysiaku – Celebrating 50 Years of Malaysia’ Street Festival at Bangkung Row in

Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Hatchling Dispersal Pattern Studies in Melaka and Terengganu

(Left) The public held their breath as they watched Pak Harun dive into the ocean to ‘listen’ to fish. (Right) WWF-Malaysia’s Executive

Director/CEO, Dato’ Dr. Dionysius Sharma answers a question from the viewers seated next to Director, Dain Iskandar (center) and Dr.

Megal Al Imran from FINAS. © WWF-Malaysia/Nadiah Rosli

From their nesting beaches, turtle hatchlings are known to use light source for their seaward

direction and surface waves for guidance towards the open sea. Apart from natural predation,

artificial light sources may also contribute to hatchling mortality, in part due to disorientation

from their natural magnetic compass direction. Hatchling Dispersal Pattern Studies (HDPS) were

carried out during the turtle season this year in an attempt to determine the impact of artificial

lighting from human settlements, tourism infrastructure, street lights and offshore refinery and

petrochemical complex near nesting beaches in Melaka and Terengganu. In Melaka, a total of

24 hawksbill hatchlings were used in this experiment and the study was done at two key nesting

beaches. In Terengganu, 10 hatchlings were studied at three key nesting beaches. Selected

hatchlings were tethered using polyfilament nylon line to a green luminous glow-stick and

monitored from a distance by kayaks for approximately

two hours with GPS readings taken every five minutes to

establish their offshore directions. The direction of sea

surface current was determined by tracking the direction

of drift using a buoyant, equipped with GPS with function

of TrackLog enabled. Premilinary findings have been

made and future studies may need a larger sample size

and longer period of observation.

(Top) WWF-Malaysia’s Melaka Field Biologist checks equipments used for the study. © WWF-Malaysia/Lau Min Min. (Bottom left) A

Green Hatchling Turtle fitted with a float in Terengganu. (Bottom right) Kayaks following hatchlings in Kerteh, Terengganu.

© WWF-Malaysia/Sharifah Ruqaiyah

Currents Jul—Sept 2013

Weekend Date at Bak-Bak Beach with Gloves and Garbage Bags

Since the first coastal clean-up was organised last year at the

Tip of Borneo, Kudat Turtle Conservation Society (KTCS) and

WWF-Malaysia came together to organise the second

clean-up programme in conjunction with the International

Coastal Clean-Up Day (ICCD) 2013 at Bak-Bak Beach, Kudat.

Aimed to bridge local communities from all folds of the society

to come together to ensure the cleanliness of beaches, rivers

and water outputs, the programme attracted over 350 people

to gather on a Saturday morning for the beach clean-up.

Participations comprised those included those from EAC Kudat,

Sabah Parks, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Bomba,

Department of Fisheries, Sabah, WWF-Malaysia, Banggi Youth

Club, Hakka Association, Hainan Association, Buddhist

Association, St. James, Pei Tsin School, Basel Church, Red

Crescent, Boy Scout, Girl Guide, as well as local communities

from Kampung Bawang Jamal and Kampung Bak Bak.

The event was made more meaningful with a talk by Dr. Mahyar Sakari, Senior Lecturer of UMS on the effects of chemicals in our

oceans and the way beach pollution gets into our food supplies and into our bodies in the long run. Malaysian Maritime

Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has also supported the programme by generously allowing a trip on-board of MMEA vessel for a

short ride as a reward for the participants’ hard work to wrap up the day.

Shockingly, a total of 2,108 kg of garbage that included a gravitational 461.3 kg of plastic, 297.5kg of glass, and 25.2kg of papers

were collected. The purpose of tracking the weight of the garbage collected is to provide evidence of our direct impact towards

the problem of ocean litter and to encourage the practice of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) in our daily routine. We are

responsible in making sure the cleanliness of our coasts is maintained as we share the beach with nesting turtles.

Proudly Malaysian Marine Heritage

In conjunction with Malaysia’s 56th Merdeka Celebration on 31 August and the 50th Malaysia Day on 16 September, we highlight

some local collectibles and items that feature the country’s rich marine biodiversity:

In June 2013, Pos Malaysia Berhad issued a new collection of stamps and

philatelic items of ‘Corals of Malaysia’, featuring various types of unique

and beautiful corals that can be found in Malaysian seas. The stamps

feature five types of corals, namely Table Coral, Sea Anemone, Soft

Coral, Feather Stars and Sea Pen and were the first in its series and would

be offered for a limited time. It is the first for Pos Malaysia to focus on

corals in the field of marine life.

The new Malaysian banknotes put into circulation on July 2012 and

themed ‘Distinctively Malaysia’ showcases Hawksbill and Leatherback

turtles on the RM20 note.

(Above) Participants listened to a talk by Dr. Mahyar Sakari, Senior Lecturer of UMS on the effects of chemicals in our oceans and the

way beach pollution gets into our food supplies and into our bodies in the long run. © WWF-Malaysia/Hui Ling

Participants listened attentively to the instructions as they are to be

divided into groups to collect garbage from different stretch of the

beach. © WWF-Malaysia/Hui Ling

©Pic courtesy of Bernama

ww

f.org

.my

Voices of Community Reaches Out At Borneo Eco Film Festival (BEFF) 2013

The Borneo Eco Film Festival (BEFF) is an annual event celebrating Borneo's

biocultural diversity through showcasing environmental films and nurturing local

community filmmaking. The festival includes the SUARA series of community

filmmaking workshops and ecological talks with exclusive premieres of local and

international eco films for free and opens to the public. This year, WWF-Malaysia

becomes the official partner for BEFF 2013 as we see the synergy in celebrating

Borneo’s bio-cultural diversity and WWF mission to achieve a future where

people live in harmony with nature. Held from 27-29 September, the festival

aimed to highlight the relationship among local people and Borneo’s natural

heritage through showcasing of environmental films. The ‘Boleh Bah Filem Kita!’

(BBFK), which is one of the core events of the festival, is an eco-film competition

where local film makers must demonstrate how people relate to their

environment through a short film.

Apart from that, through a series

of workshops named ‘SUARA

KOMUNITI’ (The Voice of the

Commun i ty ) , the loca l

communities were given a chance

to tell their own stories with their

own voices through film-making.

WWF-Malays ia supported

community members from

Semporna Priority Conservation

Area and the proposed Tun

Mustapha Park to participate and

benefit from the training on

film-making approaches, styles

and techniques by guest trainers.

At the festival, the documentary by Jacques Perrin, OCEANS that explores Earth’s

five oceans, featuring ocean animals and provides a glimpse into the elusive and

mysterious underwater world, was also screened. The documentary reflects the

need to respect nature and demonstrates the negative aspects of human activity

on animals – goals that are very close to the heart of WWF-Malaysia. Ocean

covers 71% of our planet’s surface making up to 95% of all the spaces available

to life and home to 100 million species, and Malaysia has more than 4,600 km of

coastline and more sea area than land territory. Awareness and education plays a

crucial part for a better future and the Borneo Eco Film Festival (BEFF) is an

exemplary platform for this.

For more information, please contact:

Nadiah Rosli

Communications Officer

Peninsular Malaysia Seas Programme

Email: nrosli@wwf.org.my

Liew Hui Ling

Communications Officer

Marine Programme

Email: hlliew@wwf.org.my

WWF-Malaysia

49, Jalan SS23/15, Taman Sea,

47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

WWF-Malaysia, Petaling Jaya

Tel: +603 7803 3772

Editorial Team

Contributors:

Liew Hui Ling, Nadiah Rosli

Editor: Alexa Antal

Advisors: Gangaram Pursumal,

Monique Sumampouw, Carol Phua

(Top left) Winner and Runner-Up of ‘Boleh Bah

Filem Kita!’.

(Top right) Audience at the screening of

environmental films at BEFF 2013.

© WWF-Malaysia/Mazidi Ghani

“I hope you will be better enlightened of the richness of

marine life and the importance of conserving it for the greater

good of mankind and the environment. ”

Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma, Executive Director/CEO, WWF-Malaysia

Currents Jul—Sept 2013

Announcements

Nurol Huda Binti Nasir,

Field Biologist for Terengganu Turtle and

Painted Terrapins Conservation has left the

organization in October 2013.

We thank her for all her contribution to our

marine work.

We wish Nurol the very best in her

future undertakings!

A representative from the Women Association

of Omadal Island (WAPO) Semporna shared

her experiences from the workshop at BEFF

2013. © WWF-Malaysia/Mazidi Ghani