'Mek Tuntung' Receives Commonwealth Point Of Light Award

KEMAMAN (Terengganu, Malaysia) Sept 22 (Bernama) – A researcher Dr Chen Pelf Nyok received the Commonwealth Point Of Light award for her efforts in conserving the river terrapin (tuntung) in Sungai Kemaman in Terengganu. The award was presented by British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell in a ceremony Thursday. Fondly known as 'Mek Tuntung' by the locals, Chen who is also the co-founder of the Turtle Conservation Society said the success of the project which was initiated in 2011 would not have been possible without the help of the locals and her family. "I'm happy to say that since the project started, we have been able to save 4,500 eggs and released 3,000 baby terrapins into Sungai Kemaman," said the Kuantan native at the ceremony. Chen said she had also set up a river terrapin gallery and conservation centre which has become a tourist attraction at the village. -- BERNAMA