KUCHING: Two men have were sentenced to prison earlier this week after they were found guilty of illegally possessing more than 800 marine turtle eggs in separate cases.
On Monday (Aug 18), a 32-year-old man was sentenced to eight months in prison and fined RM50,000 in default six months’ prison, after he pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing 732 marine turtle eggs at a house in Jalan Batu Kawa Resettlement Scheme
The following day (Aug 19), an Indonesian man was sentenced to six months in prison after he was found with 93 marine turtle eggs at a rubber plantation in Sematan.
Investigations confirmed that the seized eggs belonged to the Cheloniidae family, which are listed as Totally Protected Animals under Part I of the First Schedule of the Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said both cases send a clear message that wildlife crimes will not be taken lightly.
“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,” the corporation said.
SFC added that under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, anyone convicted of possessing parts of Totally Protected Animals faces up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of RM25,000 for each individual animal part.
“Buying, selling, or consuming turtle eggs is a crime. Your actions matter. Say no to wildlife crime,” the corporation said.
Enforcement efforts will continue to be intensified under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) in collaboration with other agencies to protect Sarawak’s natural heritage.
The public is urged to report wildlife crimes immediately through SFC’s hotlines in Kuching (019-8859996), Sibu (019-8883561), Bintulu (019-8332737), and Miri (019-8290994).
