Martin Carvalho, The Star 31 May 08;
MALACCA: State Fisheries Department has been directed to investigate the theft of almost 4,000 eggs of the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle from nesting grounds recently.
Chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said he wanted answers as to how the eggs from about 30 turtle nests along the Kuala Sungai Baru and Linggi coastline near here could be stolen over the past month.
“I will ask the Exco member in charge of agriculture and rural development and fisheries department to look into the matter,” he said after officiating the Malacca Joint Youth Council office in Ayer Keroh.
He said investigations would also determine if eggs were being sold to individuals or to a business.
It was learnt that the state Fisheries Department had roped in the help of several Rela personnel since Tuesday to carry out night patrols along the coast near the Padang Kamunting Turtle Hatchery in Pengkalan Balak.
There are concerns that the thefts will increase during the nesting period between May to September as it is believed that the eggs are being sold illegally at about RM2.50 each.
It is illegal to collect turtles eggs without permit from the fisheries department and a those found guilty under the Fisheries Act 1985 can face a fine of up to RM1,000 per egg.
Malacca has the largest number of Hawksbill turtle landings in Malaysia, surpassing Terengganu and Sabah. There are currently 23 turtle landing sites along the coast of Malacca.
Based on records, a total of 297 turtle landings with 36,101 eggs were recorded in 1996. The numbers rose to an all time high of 390 landings with 45,345 eggs in 2007.
Malaysians patrol turtle sites after 4,000 eggs stolen: report
AFP 1 Jun 08;
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Malaysian authorities are carrying out night patrols near endangered Hawksbill turtle nesting sites after 4,000 eggs were stolen, according to reports Sunday.
State fisheries officials have begun the patrols near the turtle hatcheries in southern Malacca state amid fears of more thefts during the nesting period between May and September, the Star daily reported.
Chief Minister Mohammad Ali Rustam said he would investigate how the eggs, worth 10,000 ringgit (3,089 dollars), could have been stolen over a month-long period from 30 turtle nesting sites along the coastline, it added.
"I will ask the (State council) member in charge of agriculture and rural development and fisheries department to look into the matter," he told the paper.
Malacca has the largest number of Hawksbill turtle landings in Malaysia.
It is illegal to collect turtle eggs without a permit from the fisheries department, with offenders facing a fine of 1,000 ringgit (309 dollars), but turtle eggs are still being sold, the Star reported.
The World Conservation Union lists the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered. A surge in demand for exotic turtles and eggs in Southeast Asia has been blamed for fuelling the rampant illegal trade.
