Running on the theme, “We Care for Our Turtles”, over 40 students from UNITAR International University, Ipoh, conducted a community-service project in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia on Tuesday, April 5 at the Segari Turtle Sanctuary, Lumut. The project was sponsored by Tamilselvi agency (Zurich Ipoh).
Besides cleaning the beach, they bathed the turtles in the sanctuary and painted the turtle statue in the sanctuary’s museum. Mohd Khalil bin Mohamad, head of management of the sanctuary applauded the initiative, as it helped to promote awareness on the conservation of these precious amphibians.
“My favourite part was washing the turtle shells. What an experience for me and my team members to be able to touch, hold and wash the turtles. Contributing to the community without asking for anything in return, is very rewarding and brings on blessings,” Angelin Anthony, one of the participants said.
Students of UNITAR would undertake a community-orientated programme every 4th semester of their course. Their previous voluntary activities were held at Sitiawan, Teluk Batik, the National Zoo and at designated Orang Asli villages. The upcoming ones would be held at Cameron Highlands and the elephant sanctuary in Pahang.
Mei Kuan
