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KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah Wildlife Department has not received any report over a photo of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin eating at a table where a plate of turtle eggs can be seen.
“No. We did not (get any report),” a department spokesman told The Vibes on condition of anonymity.
State Umno chief Bung Moktar has yet to reply to queries on the matter.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin, who is also state Umno secretary, said he has ordered a full investigation.
“With regard to a certain photo of a state cabinet member dining with what looks like turtle eggs on the table, I have directed the Sabah Wildlife Department to conduct a full probe.
“Let them do their work, and let’s see what they come up with.”
Bung Moktar is expected to attend a Covid-19 vaccination outreach programme in Kinabatangan, his parliamentary constituency, tomorrow morning.
The photo, which has gone viral, was allegedly shared by Warisan vice-president Datuk Junz Wong, who told The Vibes that he got it from “someone”.
“It is believed to have been taken during his recent Hari Raya open house. I think Bung Moktar himself needs to clarify the issue.”
The possession and consumption of turtle eggs are prohibited under state wildlife laws, and violators face a fine and jail time upon conviction.
It is not the first time that a state politician has been implicated in the consumption of turtle eggs.
In February, a former assemblyman courted controversy after a photo surfaced of turtle eggs served during Chinese New Year.
In 2015, then rural and regional development minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob reportedly had turtle eggs served to him at a dinner here.
Ismail Sabri, who now holds the defence portfolio, later sued the Daily Express’ publisher and editor over the newspaper’s report on the incident.
The case was resolved amicably at the high court. – The Vibes, June 25, 2021
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