KOTA KINABALU: Earlier this week, divers and turtle wardens in Pom-Pom island off Semporna district made the gruesome discovery of a dismembered green turtle.
Ripped of its shell, this protected species was found washed ashore not far from the home base of the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC).
TRACC director Robin Philippo shared photos of the discovery, calling for witnesses to come forward and assist in finding the culprits.
“Who has seen or heard something? Two nights ago during the daily occurring turtle walk our turtle warden Aqbar and Borneokomrad intern Haikal made a gruesome discovery,” he shared.
“They found a recently deceased green turtle washed ashore not far from our home base.
The carcass was missing both back flippers and the shell,” he said.
Philippo said the fact that a rope was found tied around the front flippers and the way the shell has been removed strongly suggest that this turtle had been poached.
“We are looking for witnesses so we can forward the case to the authorities. Please share and help us spread the word,” he said.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Christina Liew said the ministry were aware of the matter and were already looking into it.
Green turtles are listed as endangered species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and lawfully protected in Malaysia.
Some communities consider turtle flesh as exotic meals and its eggs as delicacies.
