Finally, one step forward to saving our turtles!
The Terengganu state assembly has unanimously passed the Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 2021) which, among others, imposes a total ban on the sale of all types of turtle eggs and provides for much heavier penalties for offences against the marine creatures.
Photo via Phys.org
According to BERNAMA, state agriculture, agro-based industries and rural development committee chairman, Dr. Azman Ibrahim said the amended enactment was aimed at protecting and preventing the extinction of all turtle species, including terrapins.
“It needs to be amended so that the ban on the sale of all turtle species can be enforced and also completely prohibit any person from owning turtle species except for permitted purposes,” he said.
The amended enactment will be enforced starting June, 2022.
Compared to other states in Malaysia, Terengganu is the only state that allows the sale of turtle eggs, except for the leatherback turtle eggs.
With the new amendments, higher fines await offences like disturbing and killing turtles, which range from RM50,000 to RM25,000 compared to only RM3,000 previously.
Photo via The Straits Times
The Turtle Enactment 1951 (Amendment 2021) will also make it compulsory for all tourist boats to install propeller guards to prevent turtle deaths.
We are so happy with this news!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
