K12 X UMT: SAVE THE TURTLE 2.0

TWELFTH COLLEGE SESSION 2025/2026

SERDANG, MEI 23rd – K12 X UMT: Save The Turtle 2.0 program was organized by the Secretariat of Volunteerism and Internationalization, College Representative Council, Twelfth College Session 2025/2026, in collaboration with Management of Twelfth College. The program aimed to foster awareness and responsibility among students of College Twelve, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) regarding wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. It was carried out in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) as a continuation of previous conservation initiatives. Through this program, participants were given the opportunity to engage directly in turtle conservation activities, including habitat monitoring, coastal area maintenance, and exposure to issues related to threats facing marine life. In addition to providing hands-on, field-based learning experiences, the program also emphasized the development of soft skills among students, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Active participation in these conservation activities helped to enhance participants’ awareness of the importance of maintaining ecological balance while strengthening their spirit of volunteerism and commitment to environmental stewardship.

The program began at 7:30 a.m. with participants and committee members (AJK) gathering at Merang Jetty. This was followed by a brief briefing on the programme itinerary and a safety briefing conducted by the SEATRU team before participants boarded a boat to Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary on Redang Island.

Upon arrival, participants embarked on a short hike through a forest trail leading to the Gem Spot Prawn Spa area. At the site, they were given an informative briefing on the biology, habitat, and life cycle of sea turtles, as well as the importance of conservation efforts in protecting this endangered species. After the briefing session, participants took part in a beach clean-up activity, focusing on the collection of ghost nets and marine debris washed ashore in the surrounding area. As a result of this effort, a total of 30 kilograms of waste was successfully collected and properly disposed of. The activity was carried out with great care, as all participants were provided with appropriate equipment and safety tools before the clean-up began to ensure their safety throughout the activity.

At 11:00 a.m., the program continued with a turtle nest analysis session, where participants had the opportunity to learn about the turtle breeding process and observe newly hatched turtle hatchlings firsthand. As the final activity of the programme, participants boarded a boat for a turtle-spotting expedition around the waters of Redang Island. This experience allowed them to observe turtles in their natural habitat while enhancing their understanding of the importance of marine life conservation and the protection of coastal ecosystems.

Image 1: Participants boarding a boat to Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary, Redang Island.

Image 2: A theoretical learning session on sea turtle biology and ecology being conducted at the Prawn Spa site.

Image 3: The ghost net collection and disposal activity being carried out while participants listen to a briefing from the SEATRU team.

Image 4: An educational session being conducted at the Outdoor Classroom.

Image 5: A turtle nest excavation session being carried out under the guidance of the facilitators.

Image 6: A sea turtle successfully spotted during the turtle-searching expedition in the waters surrounding Redang Island.

Image 7: The closing session of the programme attended by representatives from SEATRU and Hunter Boat.

Date of Input: 11/06/2026 | Updated: 11/06/2026 | m.ahir