By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 21: Two men, including an Indonesian national, were recently convicted for illegally possessing over 800 marine turtle eggs in separate cases in Kuching and Sematan, according to a Facebook post by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
SFC, together with the Marine Police, said the successful prosecution marked another milestone in Sarawak’s ongoing fight against wildlife crime.
Both offenders were sentenced under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1998, following the seizures of marine turtle eggs which are classified as Totally Protected Animals.
In the first case on Aug 18, a 32-year-old local man was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment and fined RM50,000 (in default six months’ jail) after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing 732 marine turtle eggs at a house in Jalan Batu Kawa Resettlement Scheme.
The second case, on Aug 19 in Sematan, involved an Indonesian national who was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for unlawfully possessing 93 turtle eggs at a rubber plantation.
Investigations confirmed that the seized eggs belonged to the Cheloniidae family, which includes critically endangered species.
SFC reminded that under the law, anyone found guilty of possessing parts of Totally Protected Animals may face up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of RM25,000 for each individual animal part.
“Marine turtles are critically endangered species. The illegal collection and trade of turtle eggs threaten their survival, disrupt nesting cycles, and push these iconic species closer to extinction. Every egg taken is a lost chance for a turtle to return to our shores,” SFC stressed.
The agency also reiterated that buying, selling or consuming turtle eggs is a crime, urging the public to say “No” to wildlife crime.
SFC assured that it will continue to work with other enforcement agencies under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) to protect Sarawak’s natural heritage.
The public is urged to report any illegal wildlife activities immediately via hotlines in Kuching (019-8859996), Sibu (019-8883561), Bintulu (019-8332737), and Miri (019-8290994). — DayakDaily
