The Terengganu Fisheries Department has proposed purchasing leatherback sea turtle eggs from overseas for incubation and release into Terengganu waters to rebuild the population of this species in the state.

Its director Zawawi Ali said the turtle eggs could be obtained from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

"However, the proposal will be reviewed in a special seminar that will gather scientists and turtle-related experts in October.

"If they agree with the proposal, we will seek cooperation from the state government to implement it," Zawawi told reporters after officiating the release of 1,684 hatchlings at The Qamar Resort in Paka, near Dungun, yesterday.

The release programme was also attended by about 3,000 residents around Paka, who were excited to witness the historic moment.

The Terengganu Fisheries Department recorded a landing of the leatherback turtle in Terengganu in 2017 after its last landing seven years earlier.

- Bernama