The Star 28 Aug 12;
SANDAKAN: The sale of turtle eggs, banned under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, is widespread in this town.
A Bernama survey found that the eggs were sold in areas close to the Sandakan market.
The sellers go about their business discreetly, using hand signals to lure customers. They would only take out the eggs from plastic bags when buyers showed interest.
The bags are hung on the walls lining the five-foot paths of shophouses.
A seller, who wished to be identified only as Sam, said turtle eggs were sold because there was public demand.
He said the eggs were smuggled in through Pulau Taganak in the Philippines, about an hour’s travel by boat from here.
“Each egg is sold at RM1.20,” he said. “The price per egg goes up if supply is scarce.”
Anyone keeping turtle eggs in the state could be charged under Section 41(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, which carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or five months’ jail. — Bernama
