SANDAKAN: Traders here are still selling turtle eggs despite being constantly reminded by authorities that such an activity is against the law.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said turtle eggs could still be found at many shoplots near the market in the district.
“They are doing it secretly... through hand signals (Okay sign, to indicate availbility of turtle eggs).
“However, such activity is still under control because it is being handled by the relevant enforcement agencies,” he said.
He said since 1999, the department had brought to court 17 cases related to the sales of turtle eggs.
Turtles are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Offenders can be fined not less than RM50,000 and up to RM250,000 and face a maximum years in imprisonment.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with World’s Turtles Day, the department had recently launched a hotline number 088-254767, for the public to lodge reports on any misconduct or information related to wildlife.
E-complaint can also be filed at www.wildlife.sabah.gov.my, with promise of respond time of within 48 hours.
“It will be more effective in terms of mitigating animal-human conflict, enforcement against cases of crime against wildlife, licensing and issuance of permits under Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.”