By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: Illegal harvesting and smuggling of turtle eggs which often originating from neighbouring countries would undermine Sabah's conservation efforts for the species.
"As long as demand exists, this illegal trade will persist," said state wildlife director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar during the launching of Sabah Sea Turtle Action Plan.
Last year, the department recorded five wildlife crime cases involving sea turtles, with 1,716 turtle eggs and parts confiscated.
In 2024, a case was recorded, involving 3,494 eggs. In 2023, six cases were recorded, with more than 11,142 eggs seized.
"These figures clearly show that illegal trade is still ongoing and must be addressed decisively," Mohd Soffian added.
Among the iniatives to address the issue is Behavioural Change Campaign: Stop the Consumption of Turtle Eggs in Sabah.
He said for many years, awareness programmes have been carried out, including annual outreach such as World Sea Turtle Day.
However, the effectiveness of these efforts has not been systematically measured, and demand for turtle eggs continues to persist.
"Recognising this gap, the Sabah Wildlife Department, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah, conducted a baseline study to better understand the drivers behind turtle egg consumption.
"Based on these findings, this campaign has been developed using the CITES Guidance on Demand Reduction Strategies. This marks a shift from general awareness to targeted behavioural change.
W"e now know who the target groups are, what messages resonate with them, where to reach them, and how to influence their decisions. A follow-up study will be conducted in 2027 to assess whether behaviour has changed."
He also said with the launch of this campaign, stakeholders, including media outlets, local authorities, tourism operators, retailers, and influencers, should play an active role in amplifying the message.
"Our goal is clear and uncompromising, to eliminate demand and achieve zero illegal trade of turtle eggs in Sabah."
Standard Operating Procedures 2.0 for Turtle Hatcheries.
Mohd Soffian also said that the Standard Operating Procedures 2.0 for Turtle Hatcheries. provides a clear technical framework to ensure that conservation practices are standardised, consistent, and guided by science.
It covers hatchery management, turtle tagging, rehabilitation, and turtle-based tourism practices without compromising conservation outcomes.
Currently, there are 16 hatcheries operating outside protected areas in Sabah under formal agreements with the Department.
These hatcheries are managed by local communities and the tourism sector, with strong support from NGOs.
"Many of these individuals are appointed as Honorary Wildlife Wardens and are trained by the Sabah Wildlife Department. This model reflects a strong and meaningful synergy between conservation and tourism.
W"ell-managed hatchery programmes not only protect nesting sites and improve hatchling survival rates,but also provide educational and responsible tourism experiences.
"In areas such as Semporna, where marine tourism is a key economic driver, this approach enhances the value of our natural resources while ensuring they are sustainably managed."
Present at the event was Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Dr Jafry Ariffin and permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai.
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