23/11/2025

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NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday NOV 23, 2025

Malaysian Paper

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Labuan waters sanctuary for endangered turtles

Unique call to draw proboscis monkeys SANDAKAN: Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary rangers have to use a unique call technique to make proboscis monkeys, or monyet belanda, visit the feeding sites. Even a slight mistake is enough to discourage them from appearing during the feeding session for public viewing. This is the daily reality for ranger Mohammad Sabri Laleling, 28, whose duties include “communicating” with the bayau, the affectionate nickname for the monkeys among locals. Mohammad Sabri said the previous ranger had told him that a week of practice would be enough for the proboscis monkeys to recognise his voice. “However, after a week of learning the calling technique, not a single monkey showed up. I continued practising into the second week and was excited when the monkeys finally responded when I called them,” he said. The ranger, who has served at Labuk Bay for eight years, said there were times when they did not appear despite repeated calls, forcing the sanctuary to refund ticket fees to visitors. In certain situations, Mohammad Sabri had to venture into the mangrove swamp surrounding the plantation to draw the attention of the proboscis monkeys and guide them towards the viewing platform before tourists arrived. Situated in the middle of a 300ha oil palm plantation, Labuk Bay is one of Sandakan’s nature tourism attractions, offering unique wildlife experiences. Sanctuary assistant manager Ahmad Dinsa Sasang, 54, said the proboscis monkey sanctuary was set up in 2000 and opened to the public in 2001. Ahmad Dinsa said the proboscis monkeys roam freely around the oil palm plantation and are not captive animals. To ensure the bayau group arrives on time, rangers would call them at least two hours before the feeding sessions. Several other species, including silvered leaf monkeys as well as long tailed and pig-tailed macaques, would also “show up” for the feed. – Bernama

LABUAN: Beneath the calm turquoise waters surrounding Labuan island, lies a vibrant marine world – corals teeming with life, colourful reef fish darting through the currents and sea turtles gliding gracefully in their natural habitat. Once known mainly as a diver’s hidden gem, the area is now emerging as a crucial sanctuary for hawksbill turtles ( penyu karah ) and green turtles ( penyu agar ). Recent findings by the Labuan Dive Club have revealed the marine zones around Rusukan Besar, Rusukan Kecil and Kuraman islands are not only scenic dive sites but also vital habitats for these endangered species, underscoring Labuan’s growing importance in marine conservation and eco-tourism. Labuan Dive Club president Teoh Ming Woei said his team’s underwater observations between June and September showed regular turtle activity in these waters, which form part of the Labuan Marine Park. “Our divers have recorded frequent sightings of both juvenile and adult hawksbill turtles within these zones. “This is an encouraging sign that Labuan’s marine environment is healthy, balanced and capable of supporting sensitive species such as sea turtles,” he told Bernama. and healthy, balanced environment capable of supporting sensitive species Sightings of hawksbill and green varieties highlight reef biodiversity

Teoh said the discovery of regular turtle activity further strengthens Labuan’s image as a world-class eco-tourism destination. – BERNAMAPIC

To protect their underwater habitats for long-term survival, Teoh proposed establishing anchor-free zones, conducting regular marine surveys and introducing community-based turtle monitoring involving local divers and fishermen. Fisheries Department data indicate that Labuan recorded over 2,562 turtle eggs last year, with more than 1,423 hatchlings released into the sea – largely from the Rusukan Besar and Rusukan Kecil nesting sites. Teoh said the discovery of these turtle populations further strengthens Labuan’s image as a world-class eco-tourism destination, while offering a valuable opportunity to promote responsible diving practices among operators and visitors. He added that to further boost recreational diving tourism, local authorities should consider developing facilities such as a dedicated diver’s jetty, similar to those available in Kota Kinabalu. He said the findings would also help conservationists and tourism agencies work together to position Labuan as a model for sustainable marine tourism. “Turtles don’t recognise boundaries, they follow reefs, currents and safe waters. Our task is to ensure Labuan remains part of that safe passage.”

“Turtles are a major draw for divers worldwide. Their presence here not only highlights the biodiversity of our reefs but also enhances Labuan’s appeal as a sustainable diving destination that is on par with other renowned locations in the country,” he said. The Rusukan Besar, Rusukan Kecil and Kuraman islands, located within the Labuan Marine Park, are home to rich coral ecosystems and thriving marine life. The park’s shallow reefs, coral slopes and sandy seabeds provide a natural refuge for both hawksbill and green turtles to feed, rest and recuperate. “The abundance of coral, sponges and seagrass in these waters indicate the area’s suitability as both a feeding and migratory corridor for turtles moving between the South China Sea and the Brunei Bay. “These turtles often travel great distances across the South China Sea. Labuan’s marine park serves as an important resting and feeding stop on their journey.” While praising the work of the Fisheries Department and Labuan Marine Park authorities in safeguarding nesting sites, Teoh stressed that equal attention should now be given to the underwater habitats that support turtles year-round.

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