THE sight of an animal's dead body lying on a beach is a horrific one, and it is doubly tragic when the creature in question is from an endangered species.
It was claimed recently that a green sea turtle's body was found on a Labuan beach with its head and flippers missing. Is this true?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The body of a green sea turtle (Chelonia Mydas) was in fact discovered at Labuan's Nagalang Beach by a restaurant worker, and its head and flippers were in fact missing.
Bernama's Labuan journalist Jailani Hasan was then alerted to the discovery and promptly informed officials from the Fisheries Department.
The department’s spokesperson revealed that the one-metre-long turtle likely washed ashore.
"We will take necessary action concerning the dead turtle, including a thorough investigation into the cause of its death," he said when contacted.
He said several beaches and islands nearby are known for green turtle landings, making the discovery a matter of concern for local authorities.
