SANDAKAN – No stone will be left unturned in the investigation involving a former assemblyman’s family allegedly serving turtle eggs for dinner, said Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
He said he has instructed the state’s Wildlife Department to investigate the case without fear or favour, and action will be taken against individuals involved if found guilty.
“I’ve asked the department to leave no stone unturned and put its full resources to investigate the case.”
He said he has instructed the department to put more boots on the ground to check on illegal turtle eggs being sold in Sandakan.
Jafry also denied stopping the investigation as speculated by social media users recently.
The issue began when a photo showing turtle eggs served on a dining table was recently circulated on social media, with many people claiming that it was during a Chinese New Year family reunion dinner of a former assemblyman here.
The Vibes reached out to the former rep, who said he was present at the dinner.
Jafry stressed that consumption of turtle eggs in Sabah is prohibited and hopes that the public is aware that turtles are protected animals.
Meanwhile, he said the department’s investigation on the deaths of wild boars in Sabah’s east coast two weeks ago has yet to see results.
He said this at a press conference after a symbolic handing over of food baskets to recipients from 15 villages in the Sukau constituency at the Sandakan community hall today. – The Vibes, February 18, 2021
