LAHAD DATU: Tourism-related industry players in Sabah have been warned against giving in to tourists wanting to consume turtle-based products if they wish to avoid the legal consequences of doing so.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Assaffal P Alian said the ministry is firm on this matter, as turtles are legally protected species due to its importance in the natural ecosystem.
“Requests and efforts to secure turtle meat or eggs is wrongful according to the state’s law,” he told reporters, here, today.
Assaffal was commenting on the issue due to claims that tourists have been asking for turtle meat and eggs.
The issue was a hot topic among community members who said the market for turtle-based products cannot surface without demand, spurring traders to look for supplies and turtle hunters for such purpose. -Bernama