KEMAMAN, 27 AUGUST 2025 — Chery Malaysia has taken another step forward in its commitment to environmental stewardship by supporting the conservation of one of Malaysia’s most overlooked endangered species — the river terrapins.
Through a donation contribution to the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS), Chery is supporting conservation programmes that protect endangered river terrapins and the health of the ecosystems they call home.
The Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis) is critically endangered and found only in the river systems of Malaysia and Cambodia, making it one of the least known freshwater turtle species.
The Kemaman river in Terengganu is one of the few remaining habitats where this species still survives. Unfortunately, pollution, habitat degradation, and illegal egg collection have pushed the population to the brink of extinction.
Founded in 2011, the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia is the nation’s first and only NGO dedicated exclusively to freshwater turtle conservation.
Its 15-year community-based conservation programme in Kemaman has successfully combined scientific research, breeding and head-starting, habitat protection, and community engagement to protect and restore terrapin populations.
During Chery Malaysia’s recent visit to TCS in Kampung Pasir Gajah, the automotive company, through its contribution, symbolically adopted 31 terrapins and enabled the purchase of 16 bags of 20kg feed pellets for the terrapins currently raised at the centre. This vital support will help sustain ongoing conservation activities while raising awareness of the species’ plight.
“Preserving Malaysia’s natural heritage is as important as driving progress on the road,
“The river terrapin is a living symbol of the health of our rivers. By supporting TCS, we hope to inspire more Malaysians of all ages o appreciate and protect this unique part of our biodiversity,” said Vice President of Chery Malaysia, Michael Chew.
Co-founder and Executive Director of TCS, Dr. Chen Pelf Nyok said, “We are grateful to Chery Malaysia for recognising the importance of protecting our river terrapins. This partnership not only helps us sustain our conservation work but also raises national awareness of a species that is often overlooked,”
To date the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia has saved more than 11,000 terrapin eggs and closed to 6000 terrapins hatched and released into the Kemaman River. Besides Terengganu, Dr Chen said terrapins have also been spotted in the rivers of Kedah, Perak and Pahang.
River terrapins play an essential role in maintaining healthy river ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as indicators of water quality. Protecting them benefits not only wildlife, but also local communities, fisheries, and ecotourism.
Chery Malaysia’s support reflects its long-term commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and community engagement, ensuring that future generations inherit a rich and thriving natural heritage.
