KUCHING, March 26: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had a private weekend outing with close family members and friends to Talang Satang National Park today.
During the Premier’s private visit, according to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in its social media post, they also had the opportunity to observe the turtle hatchery on the island, located about a 30-minute boat ride from Damai Beach or Telaga Air Jetty.
SFC chief executive officer (CEO) Zolkipli Mohamad Aton also received a RM10,000 cheque from Rimbun Prima’s managing director Bouteflika Ahmad to aid the Turtle Conservation Fund.
Also present were SFC’s second deputy CEO Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, Sarawak Museum Department director who is also Turtle Management Board executive officer Tazudin Mohtar and Lundu District Officer Gustian Durani.
Talang Satang National Park is the first marine protected area and the most important turtle conservation site in Sarawak.
Gazetted in 1999, Talang Satang covers an area of 19,414 hectares which includes the waters surrounding the two Talang Talang Islands and the two Satang Islands (Pulau Satang Besar and Pulau Satang Kecil, located off Damai Beach).
These small islands are surrounded by patches of shallow coral reef which provide shelter and resting grounds for sea turtles, especially the Green and Hawksbill endangered species that come ashore to lay their eggs.
While the islands are opened for nature tourism, visits are however restricted by obtaining permission from SFC due to its fragile environment.
SFC has a Sea Turtle Volunteer Programme on Pulau Talang Besar which offers visitors the chance to contribute and be part of Sarawak’s turtle conservation efforts.
Apart from that, Pulau Satang Besar is a fascinating and beautiful place surrounded by deep emerald green waters with a white sandy beach that stretches across the entire southern side of the island. — DayakDaily
