Previously, only the sale of leatherback turtle eggs is prohibited hence this is definitely a step in the right direction!
As reported by NST, the days of turtle eggs being casually sold in markets across Terengganu is coming to an end soon as the state government is looking to ban ALL turtle eggs from being sold regardless of its species!
Source: Twitter
Source: sg.toluna
The east-coast state is famous for its pristine beaches that is the site for four of the seven turtle species left in the world to lay their eggs. However, Terengganu has had a bad image in recent times due to the blatant sale of the threatened animals’ eggs. Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Azman Ibrahim speaking to the State Assembly said that,
“We have received complaints from people who questioned whether the state government has overlooked the enforcement (of the enactment).”
He was referring to the Terengganu Turtles Enactment 1951 (Amendment 1987) which stipulates that:
- Only the sale of leatherback turtle eggs is prohibited.
- Eggs of other turtle species are allowed for sale.
Source: Berita Harian
Furthermore, Dr Azman stressed that the enactment was amended 22 years ago hence the need for it to be re-amended to stay relevant.
“The amendment was done a long time ago and some sections involving fines are not relevant as they are too low.”
Hence, that’s why there are even those that blatantly and openly sell leatherback turtle eggs as the punishment doesn’t affect them that much due to the low fine!
Source: FMT
Terengganu is renown globally as the site of where the leatherback, olive ridley, hawksbill and green sea turtles go to shore and lay their eggs. This proposed ban is definitely a welcome addition to our effort to conserve these adorable sea creatures and hopefully, it will become a reality soon.
Also read: Kind Uncle & Auntie Spray Red Paint On Endangered Turtle Before Releasing It, Here’s Why
