Tuaran: The Sabah Wildlife Department seized 300 what are believed to be Green Turtle eggs, valued at approximately RM3,000, in a special operation at Kampung Serusup, here, on Tuesday.
Its Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the operation, conducted in collaboration with the Wildlife Crime Bureau (WCB) Special Investigation Intelligence Unit, also led to the arrest of a 37-year-old local man to assist in investigations.
He said the raid was carried out following intelligence gathering and a special investigation conducted by both agencies.
“A total of 300 eggs suspected to be of Green Turtle were confiscated during the operation, with the total value estimated at RM3,000,” he added.
The case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 for possession of products derived from a fully protected animal species without valid authorisation.
“The Sabah Wildlife Department takes seriously any activities involving the possession, trade, or smuggling of wildlife, and will continue to intensify enforcement efforts to ensure that protected wildlife species remain preserved,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
He added that despite various awareness campaigns and behaviour-change programmes that have been implemented, demand for turtle eggs still exists and continues to drive smuggling and illegal sales activities.
Therefore, the public is advised not to buy, possess, or consume turtle eggs, as doing so is an offence under the law.
He also urged the public to immediately report any information related to the sale or smuggling of turtle eggs to the authorities to help combat wildlife crime and protect turtle populations in Sabah.
