Aziz Mustaffa, 44, used to collect turtles’ eggs and sell them. But nowadays, he protects the creatures’ nesting sites.

Several species, including Green turtles, Hawksbills and Leatherbacks, nest on Malaysia’s coasts, where the spectacle of babies hatching and scurrying into the sea has long been a major tourist draw.

But their numbers have dwindled dramatically due to worsening maritime pollution, coastal development, and people snatching their eggs, which are a popular local delicacy.

Conservationists have however been making progress. As well as persuading some people like Aziz to change their ways, Terengganu, a major nesting site, has announced it will ban the trade in eggs.

“The turtles and eggs are our national treasure,” said Aziz.

“I feel I am their godparent and I want to protect them for future generations. It gives me joy to see the huge turtles returning here to nest.”

Coming from a poor fishing family, Aziz grew up selling stolen turtle eggs. But he soon discovered there were more benefits for the local community in protecting turtle nests than raiding them, as tourists flocked to the island to see the creatures.

“I realised that if these migratory species are protected, the villagers on Redang would be able sustain their livelihoods,” he said.

Humans, however, are not the only threat – monitor lizards eat their eggs, while many are gobbled up by sharks and predatory fish as soon as they make it into the waters.

Aziz now works for Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s turtle research unit alongside other rangers and volunteers to safeguard the eggs from poachers and predators alike.

“Villagers on Redang Island now enjoy a stable income from tourism as a growing number of people want to watch the Green turtles lay eggs,” he said.

Voracious appetite

Mohamad Uzair Rusli, a biologist, agreed that giving locals a way to earn money from looking after the creatures was the best fashion to safeguard their future.

But he warned that without tackling the “voracious appetite” for eggs – considered an aphrodisiac by many – the creatures faced an uncertain future.

Licensed collectors are still allowed to operate in Terengganu, and the sale of most eggs remains legal.

But state authorities have pledged to ban the trade of all turtle eggs by the end of this year, following sustained pressure from conservation groups.

Currently, Terengganu only prohibits the trade of Leatherback turtle eggs, after their numbers fell dramatically.

However, changing a centuries-old tradition will be tough.

On a recent visit, eggs were being sold openly at a market in Kuala Terengganu, with buyers paying the equivalent of US$12 for 10.

Trader Nor Jannah, 32, said business was brisk, and brushed off suggestions that eating the eggs was a threat to turtles.

“It is impossible for turtles to become extinct,” said Jannah. “I have been eating and selling turtle eggs since I was 12.”

Fake or not? Check our quick fake news buster here.