Turtle eggs meet politician controversy again? Sabah to investigate

 By Olivia Miwil - June 25, 2021 @ 3:34pm

Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin. - Pic courtesy of Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will conduct an investigation over a photo of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin with dishes that appeared to be turtle eggs on a dining table.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the ministry would look into the matter, despite it involving a minister.

"Of course (we will take action), if there is a need to.

"Nobody is above the law, but we have to go through certain processes as provided by the law," he told the New Straits Times.

The photo sparked outrage among social media users as it was not the first time high profile figures were seen served with turtle eggs.

Photo of Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (left) served dishes appeared to be turtle eggs went viralled. -Pic courtesy of readers

As turtles are protected under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, possession of the species is illegal.

The offence, under Section 41(1) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, provides for a fine of between RM50,000 and RM250,000 and a jail term of between a year and five years, or both, on conviction.