LETTER | Green turtle killed for its eggs in Pulau Kapas

LETTER | On May 26, the carcass of a green turtle was found floating near shore in the southern part of Pulau Kapas. 

The remains were brought to shore at 2.50pm and discovered that the plastron (the bottom part of the turtle) was cut open with the organs still intact in the coelomic cavity. There are also cuts at the throat and at the back left flipper. The body was measured 73cm in length and 67cm in width.

The remains were observed to be of recent mortality because of no sign of bloating or scutes peeling. 

After referring to locals and a sea turtle research group, we found out that this incident appeared to have been done for retrieving the turtle's eggs by cutting open its plastron. It is unknown whether the perpetrator are local fishermen or foreign.

Sea turtles are endangered and protected under Malaysia's Wildlife Conservation Act and the Terengganu Turtle Enactment. 

They are our natural heritage and face serious threats from illegal poaching and trading of their eggs.

This incident is alarming and we, the caretakers of Pulau Kapas, urge the Department of Fisheries to carry out further investigations and take serious action towards the perpetrators.

The writer is secretary, Kapas Conservation.

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