11 Green Turtles In Semporna Were Butchered & Cooked
A search around the area found no suspects believed to be involved in the activity.
By Sadho Ram — 03 Oct 2021, 03:02 PM
Yesterday morning, 2 October, local authorities found 11 carcasses and cooked meat of green turtles off Bum Bum island in Semporna
Sacks of the endangered species butchered and cooked were discovered during the integrated Op Khazanah, according to Sabah General Operations Force (PGA) Brigade Commander ACP Abdul Rani Alias.
New Straits Times reported that the 6am operation on Saturday was jointly held with the Sabah Wildlife Department and the Forestry Department.
A hook believed to be used to catch turtles was also recovered
In a statement yesterday, Abdul Rani said that they confiscated two sacks containing cooked turtles and cooking utensils, according to a report in The Star.
However, no suspects were nabbed after a search around the area.
Meanwhile, the English news site also reported that this is the first such discovery of sea turtle carcasses in Semporna as there have been numerous similar cases previously.
One of the largest findings of at least 100 carcasses were recorded in 2017.
The seized items were estimated to be around RM8,200
Abdul Rani said that all the items were taken to the Semporna district police headquarters for further action, adding that the total value of the seizure was estimated at RM8,200 based on the current market price.
"Further investigations are being carried out under Section 41 (1) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997," he was quoted as saying.
