Saving the Softshell Turtle

Kg. Gol, Jerantut, Pahang, 1 November – UiTM, IJM Construction Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu), PERHILITAN, along with the community of Kampung Gol, unite in safeguarding the sustainability of rivers and freshwater habitats.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), through the Centre of Studies for Park and Amenity Management, Faculty of Built Environment (FAB), organised the “Guardians of the River: UiTM–IJMC Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu) Softshell Turtle Community-Based Conservation Initiative” in Kampung Gol, Jerantut, Pahang, on 1st November 2025.

The effort to conserve freshwater biodiversity, which forms the habitat of the softshell turtle species Pelochelys cantorii (Labi-labi Besar) and Chitra chitra (Labi-labi Bintang) — both listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List — is strengthened through collaboration between UiTM, IJM Construction Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu), the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Peninsular Malaysia, and the local community.

This initiative is also supported by the Sustainable Community Development Centre (SCDC) under the Office of Industry, Community and Alumni Network (ICAN) UiTM, as a strategic partner in empowering community engagement and student participation in high-impact social programs.

The ceremony was officiated by Professor Ts. Dr Hajah Emma Marinie Ahmad Zawawi, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, UiTM; Mr Rozaimy bin Amiruddin, General Manager (HSE) of IJM Construction Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu); and Mr Abu Jamil Awang Mahmud, Chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) Kampung Gol. Also present were Mr Dzumie Heriman bin Mohd Nor, Senior Assistant Director (Wildlife Conservation Division), PERHILITAN; Professor Dato’ Dr Rahmat Mohamad, Director of INTEC Education College; Tuan Haji Mohd. Khaidir bin Shamsudin, Chief of Mukim Tembeling Tengah; academicians and students of the Park and Amenity Management programme, IJM Construction (Rimbayu) staff, and residents of Kampung Gol.

During the event, IJM Construction Sdn. Bhd. (Bandar Rimbayu) contributed RM30,000 to UiTM to support research, hatchery development, habitat monitoring, community education, and local stewardship of natural resources. This effort reflects UiTM’s commitment to knowledge transfer, grassroots empowerment, and sustainable biodiversity governance.

The ceremony also featured the Launch of the UiTM–IJM Construction (Bandar Rimbayu) Conservation Book, a site visit to the conservation area, tree-planting activities, river exploration, and the symbolic release of soft-shell turtle hatchlings into their natural habitat as a commitment to long-term ecological sustainability.

In her address, the Dean expressed appreciation to all partners and emphasised that this initiative reflects UiTM’s commitment to the “University for Society” agenda. The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land.

She also expressed gratitude to the Kampung Gol community for their active role in conserving the river and its natural habitat, and extended thanks to IJM Construction (Bandar Rimbayu) for the financial support toward the softshell turtle conservation efforts in Kampung Gol.

The program also involved UiTM lecturers and students in field activities such as community program development, softshell turtle habitat monitoring, and the design of environmental interpretation materials. Together, we shape a future where universities, industry partners, and communities work hand in hand to protect rivers, wildlife, and natural heritage for generations to come.

Issued by: Corporate Communication Coordinator, Centre of Studies for Park and Amenity Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

Date: 1 November 2025.