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A giant leatherback turtle is believed to have returned to nest along Pantai Marang, Terengganu, for the first time since 2017
The return of the world's largest turtle species to Terengganu's shores was celebrated by the Department of Fisheries in a Facebook post earlier this week.
"After last being spotted in 2017, the critically endangered leatherback turtle is believed to have returned to the shores of Pantai Marang, Terengganu, on 1 September 2026!" it wrote.
The Terengganu State Fisheries Department said its staff first spotted large turtle crawl tracks measuring up to 2.1m wide in the sand before discovering a nest containing turtle eggs
A total of 44 eggs, each measuring approximately 52mm in diameter, were found at the site.
The department said the eggs were safely relocated to a hatchery in Rantau Abang, where they are expected to hatch within the next seven to nine weeks.
The department described the discovery as significant, as leatherback turtles have not been seen nesting on Terengganu's shores for years
"The last time this largest turtle species came ashore in Terengganu was in 2017. This discovery shows that Terengganu's beaches remain a safe habitat and preferred nesting ground for these majestic giants," it said.
The department also hoped the discovery would remind Malaysians of the importance of keeping the country's beaches and seas clean to protect this invaluable national heritage species.
"Let us hope that all 44 eggs hatch safely and that these baby leatherback turtles will one day make their way back into the open ocean!" it said.
The Facebook post has since been shared more than 2,700 times and received over 10,000 likes, with Malaysians expressing their excitement and gratitude over the leatherback turtle's return.
