Kota Kinabalu: More than 16,000 sea turtle eggs and parts were confiscated in Sabah in 12 wildlife crime cases between 2023 and 2025, as authorities launched a three-pronged conservation drive to stamp out the illegal trade once and for all.
“Illegal harvesting and smuggling of turtle eggs, often originating from neighbouring countries where such practices are still permitted, continue to undermine our conservation efforts,” said Sabah Wildlife Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar.
Pointing out that the illegal supply chain is partly driven by cross-border smuggling, he said:
“As long as demand exists, this illegal trade will persist. In 2025, we recorded five wildlife crime cases involving sea turtles, with 1,716 turtle eggs and parts confiscated. In 2024, one case was recorded, involving 3,494 eggs. In 2023, six cases were recorded, with more than 11,142 eggs seized.
“These figures clearly show that illegal trade is still ongoing and must be addressed decisively,” he said at the launching of the Awareness Campaign: Stop the Consumption of Sea Turtle Eggs in Sabah ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
The event, officiated by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin, saw the simultaneous launch of a Behavioural Change Campaign to stop turtle egg consumption, the handing over of the Sabah Sea Turtle Action Plan 2025 to 2030 and the release of updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP 2.0) for turtle hatcheries across the State.
On the Action Plan, Mohd Soffian said it sets a long-term strategic direction for sea turtle conservation in the State.
“This plan represents a collective commitment. It brings together government agencies, NGOs, universities, enforcement bodies and the tourism industry under one unified direction,” he said.
Developed through extensive consultations between 2022 and 2023 and finalised this year with technical support from WWF-Malaysia, the plan covers sea turtle conservation efforts from Sandakan to Kudat, Kota Belud to Kota Kinabalu and further to Tawau and Semporna, zones where turtles are central to both natural heritage and marine tourism.
On the updated SOP 2.0 for Turtle Hatcheries, Mohd Soffian said the framework ensures conservation practices are consistent and science-based.
“It covers hatchery management, turtle tagging, rehabilitation and turtle-based tourism practices,” he said.
Currently, 16 hatcheries operate outside protected areas in Sabah under formal agreements with the Department, managed by local communities and the tourism sector with NGO support.
Many operators hold appointments as Honorary Wildlife Wardens trained by the Department.
“Well-managed hatchery programmes not only protect nesting sites and improve hatchling survival rates, but also provide educational and responsible tourism experiences.
“In Sabah, conservation is not separate from tourism because it is what makes tourism possible,” he said.
The Behavioural Change Campaign is built on findings from a baseline study conducted jointly by the Sabah Wildlife Department and UMS.
Unlike previous awareness efforts, which Mohd Soffian said lacked systematic measurement, this campaign follows the CITES Guidance on Demand Reduction Strategies and targets specific consumer groups with tailored messaging.
A follow-up study is planned for 2027 to measure whether behaviour has changed.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including media outlets, local authorities, tourism operators, retailers and influencers, to play an active role in amplifying the message.
“Our goal is clear and uncompromising: to eliminate demand and achieve zero illegal trade of turtle eggs in Sabah.
“Sea turtles are not just part of our biodiversity. They are part of Sabah’s identity, our tourism strength and our responsibility to future generations,” he said.
Present were the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, among others.
