Angsana Teluk Bahang Penang, in collaboration with Aquaria KLCC and the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF), has announced the launch of its Marine Education Centre (MEC) - a hub for marine awareness, conservation, and sustainable tourism.
The Marine Education Centre is the next chapter in Penang's turtle conservation journey. In 2023, Olive Ridley turtles returned to nest at Teluk Bahang after nearly two decades.
This milestone led to the declaration of Angsana’s beachfront as Pantai Mesra Penyu in 2024, under an MoU between DOF and Aquaria KLCC, with scientific guidance from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Uzair Rusli of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.
This recognition paved the way for the Marine Education Centre at Angsana Teluk Bahang.
The launch event was officiated by Datuk Adnan Hussain, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, together with distinguished representatives from government agencies, media, and industry partners.
Adnan stated: "The establishment of this Marine Education Centre elevates Pantai Mesra Penyu from a simple sanctuary into a benchmark model for eco-tourism and marine stewardship nationwide.
"The Department of Fisheries remains fully committed to strategic public-private partnerships like this, where rigorous conservation science directly safeguards Malaysia's fragile marine heritage for generations to come."
As part of the launch programme, guests experienced: A Centre Tour led by Aquaria KLCC, showcasing the exhibition gallery, interactive display tanks, and open laboratory.
A Hatchery & Outdoor Classroom Tour guided by Associate Prof Dr Mohd Uzair Rusli, Project Advisor, highlighting conservation initiatives and
hands-on learning spaces.
An interactive specimen-preservation demonstration, showing how preserved specimens support marine education and research.
The Marine Education Centre features preserved specimens, interactive display tanks, jellyfish exhibits, an open laboratory, outdoor classrooms, and a turtle hatchery. These facilities are designed to inspire learning, research, and community engagement in marine conservation.
Datuk Simon Foong, Group Executive Chairman of Aquawalk, shared: "Building on our long-standing partnership and MoU with the Department of
Fisheries Malaysia, Aquaria KLCC is proud to collaborate with Angsana Teluk Bahang to drive hands-on ocean stewardship directly on these nesting grounds.
"This centre breaks the traditional oceanarium mould, combining an active research and learning powerhouse guided by researchers from Universiti
Malaysia Terengganu with a facility that will serve as a powerful catalyst for marine conservation across Penang."
Nantha Kumar, General Manager of Angsana Teluk Bahang Penang, added: "Hosting the Marine Education Centre marks a proud evolution for Angsana Teluk Bahang. We are honoured to host this vital initiative, fully supported by the expertise of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
"Angsana Teluk Bahang is dedicated to serving as a living classroom, proving that hospitality and marine conservation can thrive side by side to safeguard Penang's s coastline for generations to come. The Marine Education Centre reflects Banyan Group's s values in responsible tourism and sustainability, welcoming schools, universities, and communities to engage in marine education and eco-tourism."
