Malaysia: Boatman arrested for smuggling attempt, 30,000 turtle eggs seized

OLIVIA MIWIL New Straits Times 15 Nov 15;

SANDAKAN: General Operation Force (GOF) has seized more than 3,000 turtle eggs from a pump boat heading towards Sabah waters.

The operation that seen a smuggling attempt foiled was led by Senior Officer Wan Khalid Wan Omar.

Director of Sabah Wildlife Department William Baya thanked the GOF for their success and hoped more can be done to help curb smuggling activities in Sabah waters.

Baya added that the smuggling (of turtle eggs) would taint Sabah’s turtle conservation efforts.

"Smuggling (of turtle eggs) taints the turtle conservation effort in Sabah.

"If all parties can work together in curbing such activity, Sabah will be free of smuggling activity and it will also bring more tourists into the state," he said in statement.

Authority had arrested the boatman to assist investigation and the boat was also seized.

The suspect will be charged under Section 41(1) Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 as soon as investigation is completed.

Under the section, the offense carries fine of RM50,000 or five years jail or both upon conviction.