A Bangladeshi man was detained in Penang for keeping 100 protected turtles and softshell turtles without a licence, intended for sale to places of worship.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: A Bangladeshi national has been detained for allegedly keeping 100 turtles and softshell turtles without a licence.
The Penang Department of Wildlife and National Parks conducted the raid on a house in Bagan Lalang, Butterworth, last Sunday following intelligence gathered over two weeks.
State Perhilitan director Mohd Zaide Mohamed Zin said the raid uncovered 94 turtles and six Asian softshell turtles kept in plastic containers.
The seized animals, with an estimated total value of RM20,000, included Malayan box, Black Marsh, Chinese striped-necked and red-eared slider turtles.
“Based on investigations, all the animals are believed to have been caught from rivers around the state and possibly also purchased from other individuals,” he said.
He added that accumulating 100 animals would likely have taken one to two years.
Investigations indicated the turtles were intended for sale to places of worship for religious rituals.
Prices ranged from RM20 to RM200 per animal depending on size.
The 45-year-old suspect, who possessed valid travel documents, has been remanded for four days.
The seized native animals will be released back into their natural habitat after a court disposal order is obtained.
Non-native species will be placed at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Sungkai, Perak, for quarantine.
Turtles and softshell turtles are protected species, requiring a licence from Perhilitan for possession.
Action will be taken under Section 60(1)(a) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 against any violators.
