SEREMBAN (Bernama): A total of 46 baby hawksbill turtles were rescued by members of the public after being found wandering along the coastal area of Batu 3, Jalan Pantai Bagan Pinang in Port Dickson near here on Saturday (Oct 2).

       Negri Sembilan Fisheries Department director Halimi Abu Hanip said the hatchlings were found by an individual named Abd Jamil and his family who happened to be passing by at about 11am.

       “Their swift action in rescuing the baby turtles is a commendable effort. It is the third such incident reported in Port Dickson this year, with the most recent one on Sept 11.

       “It is normal for baby turtles to crawl out of their nest to go to the sea. Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year but most frequently from March to September,” he said on Sunday (OCt 3).

       After the incident, Halimi said department officers together with registered turtle egg collector Hishamudin Abd Manap inspected nests at the location and found two dead baby turtles and 48 eggs.

       He said the eggs were then brought to the hatchery centre at Glory Beach Resort in Port Dickson to be incubated.

       Meanwhile, Halimi said the department would erect signboards in the coastal area to remind the public to immediately report any turtle findings to the relevant parties for further action.

       “The public can also contact the department through our Facebook page and I would like to remind them not to catch the turtles for themselves because it as an offence under the state's Fisheries (Turtles and Turtles Eggs) Rules 1976,” he said. – Bernama