KOTA KINABALU – A turtle conservationist has offered a RM10,000 reward for information on people who served endangered turtle eggs at a reunion dinner.
The feast is believed to be linked to a relative of a former assemblyman.
Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research president Alexander Yee made the offer in support of efforts by the Sabah Wildlife Department, to catch and convict those allegedly involved.
“We are pleased to learn that the Sabah government will leave no stone unturned in its probe into claims that family members of a former assemblyman had served turtle eggs at a Chinese New Year reunion dinner recently,” he said in a statement.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Arifin yesterday released a statement saying that the wildlife department was investigating the case without fear or favour.
“Conservation efforts and enforcement activities must go in tandem, otherwise conservation efforts will be in vain.
“Towards this end, in my continual effort to render support to our Sabah Wildlife Department, I will make a personal pledge of a RM10,000 reward in exchange for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for this incident,” said Yee.
He said he hoped the reward will incentivise the public to assist investigations. – The Vibes, February 19, 2021
