Wanted: A screengrab of the viral video showing a diver gripping the sea turtle underwater while another diver reaches for it in the background.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department is investigating a viral video showing a group of divers forcibly restraining a struggling sea turtle while posing for the camera.
Its director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said many have claimed the location of the incident to be Pulau Manukan, a popular island off Kota Kinabalu.
“Our personnel are currently looking into the matter,” he said when contacted.
The 30-second video, posted by the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) at around 5pm yesterday, shows several divers surrounding the turtle, gripping its shell and limbs as it struggles to break free.
Despite its distress, the divers continue holding it down and posing for the camera.
The footage has sparked widespread outrage among marine conservationists and the public.
Experts warn that handling wild turtles in such a manner can cause them extreme stress, potentially leading to injury or even death.
This is not the first time divers in Sabah have been caught mishandling marine life.
In June 2024, authorities investigated a similar case where divers were seen touching a sea turtle and engaging in illegal spearfishing near an island off Semporna.
Under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, sea turtles are listed under Appendix I, meaning they are fully protected by law.
Disturbing or handling them without authorisation is strictly prohibited, and enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the Sabah Wildlife Department.
Violators could face legal action, including fines.
TRACC has called for public assistance in identifying the divers and the exact location of the incident.
