Turtle eggs seized from one of the accused persons who pleaded guilty to illegal possession in Sarawak. — Courtesy photo
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), with cooperation of marine police, have caught two people for illegally possessing sea turtle eggs.
In a statement, SFC said the two, in Kuching and Sematan, had been prosecuted.
In the Kuching case, a 32-year-old local man was sentenced to eight months jail and fined RM50,000 in default of six months’ jail after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing 732 marine turtle eggs at a house in Jalan Batu Kawa Resettlement Scheme.
In the second case, a foreign national was sentenced to six months’ jail for possessing 93 turtle eggs at a rubber plantation in Sematan.
SFC said it would continue to strengthen operations, together with related enforcement agencies in Sarawak, under “Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah” to protect the state’s natural heritage.
It said the prosecutions involved eggs from turtles belonging to the cheloniidae family, which were totally protected under Part I of the First Schedule of Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998.
Under the ordinance, anyone found guilty of possessing parts of totally protected animals face up to two years jail and RM25,000 fine for each individual animal part.
SFC highlighted that marine turtles were critically endangered species.
“The illegal collection and trade of turtle eggs threaten their survival, disrupt nesting cycles and push the iconic species closer to extinction.
“Every egg taken is a lost chance for a turtle to return to our shores,” it said.
SFC has advised people not to buy, sell or consume turtle eggs.
They also urge the public to report any illegal activities involving wildlife to SFC by calling its offices in Kuching (019-885 9996), Sibu (019-888 3561), Bintulu (019-833 2737) and Miri (019-829 0994).
