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TUMEC: Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre

TUMEC
Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (TUMEC)

On our way home to Kuala Lumpur, we visited TUMEC (Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre) in Rantau Abang, Terengganu.

TUMEC
dolphins

I have to admit that during my visit, it did not dawn on me its significant role, but now that I am home and have done a little research on the internet, I came to realise the importance of TUMEC.

TUMEC
marine life

There are seven turtle species in the world and four of these have made the east coast shores of Malaysia their landing spot. They are the Leatherback, Greenback, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley, with the Greenback most common these days.

TUMEC
a turtle

Unfortunately, due to human threats and natural factors, the turtle population is dwindling, especially the Leatherback. Why do we need to help prevent turtles from extinction? It’s because they, like all animals in the animal kingdom, too have a role to play to maintain the marine ecological balance.

TUMEC
Veronica is afraid of the fake giant leatherback turtle

Rantau Abang is a small coastal village in Dungun, Terengganu, and somehow, it is a popular nesting spot for leatherback sea turtles. Unfortunately, the number of turtle landings have decreased over the years, until the point that there have been no sighting for quite some time recently, that the local government declared these turtles extinct.

TUMEC
a skeletal structure

The Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (TUMEC), a turtle sanctuary and hatchery-cum-research centre was then set up to spearhead conservation efforts.

TUMEC
specimens of marine life

Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (TUMEC) @ Rantau Abang, Terengganu
Opening hours:
Sun – Wed: 9am – 4.30pm
Thurs: 9am – 3pm
Lunch break: 1pm – 2pm

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With love

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