SABAH has released more than 17 million turtle hatchlings into the sea since the state’s turtle conservation programme was launched 40 years ago.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Masidi Manjun said the achievement was made possible by Sabah Parks, through the establishment of the Turtle Island National Park in Sandakan in 1977.

The Turtle Island National Park comprises three islands, namely Bakungan Kecil Island, Gulisan Island and Selingan Island.

“An encyclopaedia is currently being worked on between Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and Sabah Parks,” Masidi said after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two agencies, on the sidelines of the state assembly sitting, in Kota Kinabalu today.

Collaboration between the two government-linked entities started in 2004. Eight books on biodiversity in the state have been published so far.

“The books were written by Sabah Parks’ Research and Study Division and checked by DBP,” said Masidi.

Sabah Parks director Dr Jamili Nais and Sabah DBP Publishing director Khalik Sulaiman signed the MoU. – November 20, 2017.