Ocean Sentry
The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is investigating reports that turtle eggs were served at a function recently despite a ban on their consumption. SFC enforcement officers are believed to be investigating the matter after photographs of the eggs on dinner tables appeared in the local media yesterday.
SFC also reminded the public that it was illegal to sell or eat turtle eggs in Sarawak.
The ban on turtle egg trade and consumption is one of the conservation measures put in place to protect the reptiles.
The survival rate of turtle hatchlings is very low, with only one in every 1,000 surviving into adulthood.
In addition, all marine turtles are listed as totally protected animals under Sarawak’s Wildlife Protection Ordinance.
Under the ordinance, it is an offence to hunt, kill, capture or sell any totally protected animal or to possess any of their parts.
The offence carries penalties ranging from fines of RM25,000 to RM50,000 and two to five years’ imprisonment.
(From thestar.com.my, Kuching, Malaysia)
