KUALA TERENGGANU: The Marine Park Department has been directed to conduct an investigation into a video showing an individual holding a turtle in Pulau Redang recently.
The video clip has since gone viral on social media.
State tourism, culture and digital technology committee chairman Ariffin Deraman said the act of holding a turtle was an offence under Section 27 of the Fisheries Act 1985.
“Under the Act, no person shall fish, disturb, harass, catch or take any aquatic mammal or turtle. The state government regrets the incident and hopes it will not recur,” he told Bernama when contacted yesterday.
Last Tuesday, a 24-second video showing a boat crew member diving and carrying a turtle almost to the water surface went viral.
The incident is believed to have taken place in Teluk Dalam, Pulau Redang,
The video drew criticism from netizens as this was against the law. Turtles are classified as endangered and protected by the government.
Meanwhile, Pulau Redang Boat Operators Association vice-president Azmi Awang hoped that stern action would be taken against those involved in the viral video so that such acts would not be repeated.
“We regret the unethical action of the boat operators who entered the Redang Island marine park to bring tourists to see the turtles.
“Every boat operator should be aware of the rules and tourists must be reminded not to touch turtles while snorkelling,” he said.
