The “Love Our Turtles” campaign will be held in Penang from August15 to September 14, 2025 with a host of activities for members of the public to take part and play their role in the conservation efforts of these precious creatures.
Present to announce the details of the programme in Komtar earlier today was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai accompanied by Ashwin Gunasekeran, chief executive officer of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).
They were joined by Pn Khadijah Ishak, Secretary General of IKHTIAR Foundation, Dr. Annette Jaya Ram, Senior Lecturer of Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Leong Hong Kit, Special Project Manager for ESG for IKHTIAR Foundation, Muhammad Muashraf Mohamed, Director of Corporate Management and Community, Penang Island City Council
In his opening address, Wong Hon Wai expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the IKHTIAR Foundation for choosing Penang as the host for the “Love Our Turtles 2025” campaign.
“This meaningful environmental initiative – organized by the IKHTIAR Foundation and co-organised by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), has also received the strong support of the Penang State Government through the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), reflecting our collective commitment to safeguarding our shared ecological future.
“Turtles are not only ambassadors of the sea but also indicators of ecosystem health. To conserve turtles and protect our coastlines is a promise to nature, and a solemn duty to future generations. Only by working hand-in-hand can we build a future of sustainability and coexistence,” he said.
He shared that Penang is home to a UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve that captivates visitors from around the world, covering a total area of approximately 12,481 hectares, including 7,285 hectares of inland and 5,196 hectares of marine area.
“The life-giving sanctuary supports rich biodiversity, including endangered and endemic species such as the Irrawaddy Dolphin, Sunda Pangolin, and various migratory bird populations. Among the most iconic of these are sea turtles. For decades, Penang’s coastal beaches have served as key nesting grounds for these endangered reptiles. Each nesting season, the miracle of life plays out along our shores – turtles returning under moonlight and starlight to lay their eggs, a scene as humbling as it is profound.
“Penang is one of the few remaining regions in Malaysia where sea turtles still come ashore to lay their eggs. According to the Penang Fisheries Department, the Olive Ridley Turtle returned to nest at Teluk Bahang Beach in 2023, after a four-year absence, successfully hatching about 110 baby turtles,” he added.
However, although Penang remains an important nesting ground, sea turtle populations are declining, and the ecological challenges we face are becoming increasingly severe.
“It is precisely for this reason that the “Love our Turtles 2025” campaign holds such great importance. This is not merely a public awareness program—it is a call to action, a rallying cry for collective responsibility.
“To this end, the “Love our Turtles 2025”, a month-long series of vibrant and meaningful activities across Penang. The program will feature with three main events, nine pocket programmes, and six workshops, inspiring deep community engagement and making conservation everyone’s responsibility, not just scientists’.
“Highlights of the campaign include mural art projects, turtle release programs, turtle releases, coastal clean-ups, international sustainability congress, creative exhibitions, workshops, pre-school and school engagements, music festival and even trishaw and cyclist – bringing conservation values into every corner of daily life.
“Among the most significant events are four coastal clean-up activities, which will take place on: Aug 24 at the beach in front of Seagate, Penang, Aug 30 at the beach in front of Angsana Teluk Bahang Resort, Sept 6 at the beach near the Penang Second Bridge and on Sept 12 at the beach in front of Queensbay Mall, he added.
He also welcomed members of the public to join hands – bending down not only to pick up litter, but also to pick up our sense of responsibility and respect for nature.
He also shared that this campaign spans across education, tourism, creativity, and environmental conservation. It reaches out to students, travellers, entrepreneurs, creatives, families, and children alike – mobilizing the entire society to stand united in protecting our turtles.
Meanwhile, Ashwin added that In 2025, they are seeing a shift in global traveller behaviour. Visitors today are more conscious, more informed, and more selective.
“They are not just looking for pretty places — they are seeking meaningful experiences in destinations that care for their biodiversity and protect what matters. This is what makes LOTIF 2025 such a powerful narrative for Penang. It is not just a campaign — it is a statement. A movement that reflects our values. One where we care for our turtles, support grassroots conservation efforts, and bring art, culture, and innovation into the environmental space, added Ashwin.