On 4 August, Tourism Malaysia kicked off a series of conservation activities on the beaches of Port Dickson, located in the district of Negeri Sembilan on Peninsula Malaysia. Front and centre of this sustainability drive was the release of turtle hatchlings onto the beach, in a moment that symbolises Malaysia’s long-term commitment to nature.
The release was organised by 24 members of staff from Tourism Malaysia’s Package Development Division, who released baby turtles into the ocean near Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson. To help keep the environment pristine, they also engaged in several beach clean-up operations in the local area. Many of them noted that the programme represented a positive step forward, and a sign of good things to come.
“The event symbolises our hopes for tourists,” explains Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia. “As turtles return to the spot where they were born to mate and lay their eggs, we hope that tourists will keep flocking back to Malaysia again and again from wherever they have been to.”
“Moreover, Tourism Malaysia’s establishment began with the incorporation of the Tourist Development Corporation (TDC) in 1972, in which the addition of the turtle logo was later used in 1986, painted a touch of nostalgia and served as a tribute to the countless remarkable moments and achievements we have celebrated over the years,” added the Director General.
The turtle release and beach clean-up operations formed part of Tourism Malaysia’s Package Development Division’s 2024-2026 Strategic Workshop, which was held in Port Dickson from 3-5 August 2023. The workshop was attended by industry experts, government officials and conservationists. Together, they devised new and more sustainable ways to promote the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
Tourism Malaysia was supported in its recent operations by the Department of Fisheries, based out of their Turtle Showroom at the Port Dickson Ornamental Fish Centre. Their objective is to conserve endangered green and hawkbill turtles, through a process of education and outreach in the local community.
By working together with national government, local communities and international tourists, Tourism Malaysia is helping to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity, while also preserving some of its most popular wildlife attractions for future generations of travellers.
