Turtle found dead, no foul play
The Lahad Datu District Wildlife Department will conduct thorough investigation on a dead Hawksbill Turtle which was found near Jalan Pantai on Sunday.
LAHAD DATU: The District Wildlife Department will conduct a thorough investigation on a dead Hawksbill Turtle which was found near Jalan Pantai on Sunday.
Its officer, Sylvester Saimin, yesterday said his men went to check the dead turtle on Monday morning after receiving information from the public.
He said the dead turtle was brought to their headquarters and based on initial investigation, there seemed to be no foul play in its death.
“It was believed that the turtle died at another area and drifted here as Bakapit near here is one of their stops to get food.
“Initial examination found no physical injury on the turtle’s body, however, a post-mortem will be conducted to find out the cause of death,” he said.
According to Sylvester, this is the first discovery of such dead turtle species in this area.
He reminds the public to immediately inform the department if they found any wildlife or protected animals, and not to catch them.
Sylvester also urged the public and fishermen to report any hunting or catching of wildlife and protected animals.
Those found committing the offence can be charged under Section 41(1) of Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 and punishable under Section 41(4)(a) of the same enactment which carries a fine of not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM250,000 and a jail term of not less than one year and not more than five years.