KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to have better sea turtle conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives in place with the launching of three key initiatives towards this objective.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said these three initiatives are the Sabah Sea Turtle Action Plan; the standard operating procedures for turtle hatcheries in Sabah and a comprehensive behavioral change campaign against consuming turtle eggs.
He said the launch of the Sea Turtle Action Plan in Sabah represents a significant step forward in safeguarding one of its most iconic marine species.
He said under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, three species of sea turtles which are the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, and olive ridley turtle, are classified as Totally Protected species in Sabah.
He said serious penalties follow any offences involving these species including fines between RM50,000 and RM250,000, and imprisonment from one to five years, adding that besides enforcement, conservation is also about responsibility, awareness, and collective action.
He said this action plan serves as a comprehensive guide for all stakeholders, outlining clear priorities and coordinated efforts required to protect sea turtles effectively while emphasising the importance of awareness to educate and reshape behaviors that threaten these species.
He called upon all stakeholders including government agencies, researchers, non-governmental organisations, and donors to use this action plan as a reference point and actively contribute towards achieving its intended outcomes.
As for the standard operating procedures for turtle hatcheries, they are designed to ensure that hatchery programmes, conducted by stakeholders in partnership with the state government, are managed responsibly and effectively, Jafry said.
He said the guidelines, grounded in scientific approaches, prioritise animal welfare while ensuring that conservation objectives are not compromised.
“By adopting best practices, we not only strengthen conservation outcomes but also enhance Sabah’s reputation as a leading destination for sustainable tourism.
“Well managed hatcheries and responsible wildlife interactions will provide meaningful experiences for visitors while preserving our natural heritage,” Jafry explained.
On turtle egg consumption, he said this requires a shift in mindset, and the behavioral change campaign is another crucial component of conservation efforts.
This campaign calls upon all stakeholders from all levels of society including government and non-governmental agencies as well as the media to join hands in spreading the message and raising awareness across all walks of life.
“It is my hope that this call by the Government will be embraced by the public. By reducing demand, we can stop the smuggling of turtle eggs, protect our marine biodiversity, and strengthen Sabah’s image as a premier ecotourism destination,” said Jafry.
He said this will ultimately contribute to broader efforts in combating cross-border crimes.
Earlier, Sabah Wildlife director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said illegal harvesting and smuggling of turtle eggs, often originating from neighbouring countries where such practices are still permitted, continue to undermine Sabah’s conservation efforts.
He said in 2025, Sabah recorded five wildlife crime cases involving sea turtles, with 1,716 turtle eggs and parts confiscated while one case involving 3,494 eggs was recorded in 2024.
He said six cases with more than 11,142 eggs seized were reported in 2023, a telling sign that these illegal activities persist and must be addressed because as long as demand exists, this illegal trade will persist.
