We, the undersigned, realize that the turtles of Malaysia are fast disappearing. The facts reveal that 50 years ago, leatherback turtles used to lay 10,000 nests annually but these have plummeted to near 0 in recent years. Similarly, the thousands of river turtle nestings recorded in the past have declined to less than 250 now.

We know that turtle eggs are still being collected, consumed and sold openly in the markets of Peninsular Malaysia, especially in the East Coast. Many domestic tourists who arrive in Terengganu -- the land of turtles -- buy and eat turtle eggs out of curiosity. Even tour guides help promote this activity by saying that it is a "must do" when tourists come to Terengganu.

Ready markets for turtle eggs in West Malaysia, especially in Terengganu, are encouraging poaching and smuggling of turtle eggs from East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) where the sale of turtle eggs have been banned more than a decade ago. In fact, a recent report revealed that turtle eggs are also being smuggled from the Philippines into Malaysia.

It is a shame to see eggs of the greatly endangered turtles being sold legally. Besides further pushing these animals closer to extinction, this activity also creates a bad public image to Malaysia and Terengganu in particular.

Therefore, we appeal to the Malaysian Department of Fisheries and the Terengganu State Government to put a legal stop to the collection, sale and consumption of turtle eggs. It is ironic that Terengganu, the well-known land of the turtles is contributing to the extinction of what it is famous for.

As our personal contribution to save the turtles, we pledge NOT to eat turtle eggs for the rest of our lives.