The firefly sanctuary project in Kampung Yak Yah in Chukai, Terengganu, stands not only as a symbol of environmental conservation but also a driver of growth for the local economy.
Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the RM5.3mil initiative, which began in 2019, was fully completed in April last year.
Funded entirely by the Federal Government, the project aims to conserve, restore and rehabilitate the firefly population within the Sungai Chukai ecosystem, reported Bernama.
“This project was implemented by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) under the Landscape Conservation Programme through the National Landscape Department, in collaboration with Kemaman Municipal Council,” she said after officially launching the sanctuary.
As part of efforts to protect the firefly habitat, 200 mangrove trees, 2,000 berembang (mangrove apple) and 500 nipah palms were also planted along the river.
Aiman Athirah said the sanctuary was equipped with a range of facilities, including a jetty for visitors, information centre and boat services for guided river tours.
It has also been recognised as one of Malaysia’s leading firefly-viewing destinations due to the presence of the Pteroptyx tener, a firefly species known for its ability to flash in synchrony.
“This makes the sanctuary a significant draw for both nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists,” she said.
Aiman Athirah added that the sanctuary would also function as a hub for research, environmental education and volunteer-led conservation initiatives.
