Helmet-wearing Turtle Keychains A Hit Again At PMR 2025 Terengganu

By Lucia Terey Anak John

KUALA TERENGGANU, July 12 (Bernama) -- The quirky helmet-wearing turtle keychain, once a viral souvenir following the RXZ Members 6.0 gathering in Terengganu last year, has made a comeback, flying off the shelves at the MADANI Rakyat (PMR) 2025 programme in Terengganu.

Visitors have been flocking to Pasar Payang since Thursday to grab the adorable turtle keychains, available in various colours and designs, making them a must-have souvenir alongside local favourites like keropok lekor and batik.

Sarah Mohd Rizal, 19, a staff member at the Corak Kita handicraft and souvenir shop, said foot traffic has surged since the start of the PMR programme, with many federal civil servants involved in the event also purchasing the popular keepsake.

“Last week, we only sold around 30 of them. But in just the first two days of PMR, we’ve already sold 60. Many government officers and visitors from outside Terengganu have been stopping by to buy them as mementos,” said Sarah, who has worked at the shop for a year.

She said the keychains have been the best-selling item, thanks to their charming design, easy portability, and affordable price of M10 each or RM25 for a set of three.

Other popular turtle-themed souvenirs on sale include velvet pillows, mini bags, fridge magnets and large bolster cushions.

“The helmet turtle became a trend after a video from last year’s RXZ event went viral, and ever since, people have been looking for it,” she said, adding that such events should continue to help support traders at Pasar Payang.

Meanwhile, Nur Ros Sofilawati Mohamad, 41, owner of Kedai Cenderamata Ros Sofila, also reported a surge in sales of turtle merchandise, especially keychains, since the start of the PMR programme.

“On normal days, I’d sell about 20 to 30 turtle items. But over the past two days, sales have more than doubled. Even the largest turtle plushie, which is 90 centimetres, priced at RM100, has found buyers,” said Nur Ros, who has operated her stall at the market for 15 years.

She noted that Pasar Payang houses around 19 shops specialising in turtle-themed souvenirs, alongside a diverse selection of local products such as batik, keropok and traditional delicacies.

“Our customers aren’t just locals, they’re also from China and Europe, especially those on their way to Pulau Redang and nearby islands. The turtle plushies are a favourite because they symbolise Terengganu,” she said.

One of the visitors, Kamal Zuraimi Zamli, 55, from Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, made sure to pick up a turtle souvenir for his nine-year-old daughter.

“I’m here on assignment at the FELDA Trace Training Centre. I stopped by Pasar Payang because my daughter loves animal-themed pillows, so I got her a turtle plushie.

“After all, a trip to Terengganu wouldn’t be complete without bringing home a turtle,” he joked.

The three-day PMR Terengganu, which concludes today, serves as a strategic platform bringing together the federal and state governments, ministries, agencies and government-linked companies to deliver information, services and opportunities directly to the public.

-- BERNAMA