KUCHING: An Indonesian man was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment by the Sessions Court here yesterday (May 20) for possessing 2,253 turtle eggs of the Chelonidae species last week without a valid licence.
Judge Noorhisham Mohd Jaafar handed down the sentence on Supianto, 36, from Sambas, after he pleaded guilty to the charge brought against him.
According to the charge, Supianto was found in possession of the turtle eggs at an unnumbered homestay in Serikin, Bau, at about 1 am on May 16.
He was charged under Section 37(1) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 [Cap. 26], punishable under Section 37(2)(a), read together with Section 29(1)(c) of the same Ordinance.
Based on the facts of the case, a team from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the marine police conducted “Ops Khazanah” at the homestay following intelligence received regarding illegal wildlife activities.
During the operation, the accused was detained after he was suspected of illegally possessing sea turtle eggs.
A search of the premises led to the discovery of 2,253 turtle eggs packed in black plastic bags and kept inside boxes and baskets.
The enforcement team also seized RM2,650 in cash, a SIM card and a smartphone believed to be linked to the offence.
Investigations later confirmed that the seized eggs were from the Chelonidae species, which is categorised as a totally protected species under Part I of the First Schedule of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.
The prosecution was conducted by SFC prosecuting officer Leonard Baring, while the accused was unrepresented.
