Turtle killings driven by high demand
Published on: Wednesday, May 03, 2017
Semporna: Turtle killings are occurring in the district due to high demand from exotic food lovers in China, according to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).Maritime Director for Semporna Base, Lieutenant Commander Maritime Kama Azri Kamil, said a turtle catcher could obtain up to RM40-RM50 per kg while the middle men sold to buyers, mostly from China, for RM70-RM100 per kg. He was commenting on the detention of five Filipinos and seizure of 25 tortoise shells and meat weighing about 100kg on Sunday.
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He said acting on information, its Kilat 25 patrol boat was deployed at Batura waters for operation upon being alerted to widespread turtle killings in the area."Our patrol boat managed to detain and check one jongkong boat with five paperless crew on board. The team discovered 25 turtle shells and meat on the boat upon further inspection," he said.The seizures were estimated worth about RM13,000. The boat and engines and have been trawled to Azumi Jetty for further action. The five men were detained under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, punishable under Section 41(4) of the same Enactment, which provides for a jail term of up to three years, or a fine of up to RM100,000, or both.
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"They have also being detained under Immigration Act for further action. We are continuously monitoring activities in waters off Semporna to prevent any illegal activity there," Kama added.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Turtles are protected under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Fisheries Regulations 1999 (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) for Peninsular Malaysia and Federal Territories of Labuan, Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 and the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 for Sarawak and Sabah. Kama Azri urged members of the public to contact Semporna Maritime Base at 089-782619 if they came across such activities. - Lagatah Toyos
