Water Watch Penang-School of Humanities “Family Day Programme” in Penang National Park
16 March 2013
A total of 100 participants took part in this event, of which 30 were staff members of the School of Humanities and the others were students. Two buses were chartered to bring the participants to the Penang National Park (PNP). The programme started at 8am whereby participants were picked up from the Sg Dua gate in USM. They arrived at the PNP Headquarters and registered themselves to enter the park. A group photograph was taken. The first activity was river water quality monitoring at Sg Tukun. The group was taught the physical, chemical and biological water quality monitoring techniques, which they totally enjoyed. The Sg Tukun was classified as Class II or Clean but needed conventional treatment before the water could be consumed. The group then took a break and had a snack of nasi lemak and drinks. They then trekked all the way into the PNP walking towards Pantai Kerachut. When they reached the beach, they were all exhausted and took a break. Then the group visited the Turtle Hatchery whereby a Fishery Department officer gave a briefing on the role and importance of the hatchery in conserving turtles. The group was ecstatic when the officer passed around a live baby turtle. The group also witnessed the many baby turtles swimming in a pool. A small discussion and Q & A was also conducted. The group showed great enthusiasm by asking many questions, particularly on the sexual behaviour of the adult turtles. Apparently, to ensure their survival, 1 female turtle had to mate with 4 male turtles. At 3.30pm, boats ferried the group back from Pantai Kerachut to Teluk Bahang jetty. Along the journey back, the group saw funny shaped rocks that resembled elephants, turtles, rabbits and crocodiles. They also saw eagle nests and eagles flying. The bus finally sent the group back to USM around 5.00pm.