Sitting on an endangered marine species can put you in prison

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The photo that went viral on social media.

KOTA KINABALU: If you ever see a sea turtle when you’re in Sabah and think nothing of sitting on one -think again.

Your act may just land you in prison of between one year and five years.

According to Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) director, Augustine Tuuga, with respect to an offence related to an animal listed in the first part of Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment, those found guilty will face the mandatory jail sentence of not less than a year and not more than five years.

He was commenting on a photograph of a girl sitting on a turtle that has gone viral allegedly taken in Sabah.

Turtles are one of the protected species of Sabah.

“If the incident is proven to have occurred in Sabah and we are able to gather enough proof, such action are categorised under hunting and can be charged under section 25 of the enactment,” said Augustine.

However, initial investigation is inconclusive as to where and when the incident transpired, he said.

“And no one is coming forward with information,” he added.

He added that SWD has turtle task force in Semporna which comprise of various enforcement agencies, non government organisations as well as non government organisations.