Turtle eggs have been the target of many headlines for many years. The illegal trade of turtle eggs is ever on the rise. For that, many countries have made laws and policies to halt this illegal activity. Malaysia, with its high population of turtles, has also taken an appreciable step towards it.
Unfortunately, a lot of these turtle eggs had been consumed both in and out the borders as a delicacy, which paved the way for a rise in illegal trading. The state assembly of Terengganu has passed a unanimous enactment for the protection of the species in the country. The amendment was just made this year of the Terengganu Turtle Enactment law. It states a total ban on the sale of turtle eggs of all types. What’s more, it gives heavier penalties for any offence made against the turtles.
Dr Ibrahim, the chairman of the Agro-based and RDC (Rural Development Committee), announced that the enactment targeted the protection of the species. We can see that it is an encouraging action towards the conservation of the environment and wildlife. While there are different animal species on the brink of extinction, turtles in Malaysia are of significant importance because of their endangerment.
When Will it Take Action?
The amendment in the enactment of 1951 will be implemented from next year’s summer on June 1, 2022. Terengganu has been the only state in Malaysia that legalized the sale of the eggs before. Only leatherback eggs were prohibited from sales.
However, we see that with the enactment coming to success, there will be significantly lesser trading of the eggs. With fines going as high as RM250,000 from RM3,000, many parties will think twice before committing the legal sin.
We see that this enactment also paves the way for different foundations and welfare trusts for wildlife to develop in the country. Also, many advocates for wildlife and turtles will come forward to reinforce and bring awareness to the general public about the harms of the illegal egg trade to the ecosystem and the species themselves.