Ismail Sabri denies eating turtle eggs, says on cholesterol medication

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (second left) with local leaders in Sandakan, pictured having dinner where one of the dishes on the table is turtle eggs. – Facebook pic, November 4, 2015.Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today said he did not eat any turtle eggs during an event in Sandakan, Sabah, despite a photo of him and local leaders being served with turtle eggs going viral on social media.

The rural and regional development minister said he did not take eggs as he had high cholesterol.

“I don’t eat turtle eggs because I have high cholesterol. I am on cholesterol medication,” he said via text message to The Malaysian Insider.

Bernama reported today that a group of environmental non-governmental organisations and research organisation Danau Girang Field Centre raised the alarm after the photograph, believed to have been taken in August was circulated on social media.

Green and Hawksbill turtles are both totally protected species under Schedule I of the Sabah Wildlife Enactment 1997.

It is unlawful to possess an animal or product of a species listed in Part I of Schedule 1 and the offender could face a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

“Sabah’s wonders are its beautiful islands, its lush tropical forest and its amazing wildlife, offering one of the best eco-tourism destinations in the world.

“What message are we conveying to the world when our own government officials consume products of endangered species,” they said in a statement, today.

They collectively said it was time for people in Sabah to voice out that "it is not all right for politicians or for anyone to buy or consume turtle eggs".

The environmentalists also urged the Sabah Wildlife Department to take stern action against any culprit, to send a strong message that protected species are not for sale or consumption.

“We should take pride in protecting them. These wildlife species are our national heritage. Wildlife provides sustainable economic benefits through tourism, and we should also protect our wildlife for future generations,” they stressed.

- TMI