Melaka ready to recognise, reward conservationists

From left: Farhana, Harmoni Chinta, Thien, Chew, Norhizam and Luke Adam.

MELAKA: Melaka is ready to recognise conservationists for their efforts, says state Agriculture, Agro-Based, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative committee chairman Norhizam Hassan Baktee.

He said this is through an award, called "Melaka Green and Animals' Lover Oscar”, adding that the judges will include representatives from nature conservation agencies, reputable animal care organisations and the press.

"The award is to appreciate those who are involved in protecting the river, advocate for its protection and improve the habitat for endangered species as well as caring for stray cats and dogs,” he said.

Norhizam said this on Sunday (Feb 17) after appointing four-year-old Harmoni Chinta Mitchel as the “Little Melaka Turtle Ambassador” at The Shore Oceanarium here.

He added that Harmoni Chinta will be attending a two-month intensive acting course in Los Angeles after she was selected to be part of an upcoming Hollywood produced docu-series called "America’s Rising Star" to be aired later this year. 

Norhizam said that Harmoni Chinta is set to star in a series of videos highlighting the Kampung Pantai Kemunting Turtle Conservation Centre in Masjid Tanah here and the state’s ongoing save-the-turtle programmes. 

He said this is to get more international environmental bodies and marine biologists to help Melaka in conserving the turtle landing point at Pulau Upeh.

Also present were Harmoni Chinta's parents, Luke Adam Mitchell and Farhana Mitchell, The Shore Oceanarium CEO Chew Chert Fong and Boat Explorer Group managing director Mike Thien.