Latest news with #PahangFisheriesDepartment
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Pahang Fisheries Dept condemns turtle abuse at Cherating beach
KUANTAN: The Pahang Fisheries Department has condemned the inhumane treatment of a green sea turtle by three people at the Turtle Conservation and Information Centre in Cherating on July 27. In the 6.45am incident, the adult turtle, believed to have been searching for a nesting site, was reportedly manhandled by the suspects. Pahang Fisheries Department director Roslan Abu Hasan expressed deep regret, saying the department viewed the incident seriously. "We are deeply saddened by the cruel actions of the three individuals. Our officers have conducted investigations at the site and lodged a police report at the Cherating station yesterday (July 28). "Turtles are protected under the Fisheries Act 1985. This incident highlights a disturbing lack of public awareness regarding the importance of preserving endangered marine species," he said in a statement today. Roslan said the department is working closely with the police to track down the suspects, who acted irresponsibly towards the marine animal. He said that under the Fisheries Act 1985, it is illegal to disturb, harass, capture, or destroy a turtle's habitat, and offenders may face a fine of up to RM20,000 upon conviction. Meanwhile, Roslan said monitoring has been intensified at popular turtle nesting sites, including Pulau Tioman, Kuala Rompin, Pantai Cherating, and Tanjung Batu Nenasi in Pekan, to prevent egg poaching. "We urge the public to report any suspicious activity along the beaches to help protect these turtles and ensure they can continue to nest safely during the season," he said. Yesterday, acting Kuantan police chief Superintendent Mohd Adli Mat Daud had said that a 51-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident, which has since gone viral on social media.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
QuickCheck: Were three people filmed disturbing a turtle at a conservation site in Cherating?
THE protection of endangered species is a crucial responsibility. Recently, an incident involving three unidentified individuals disturbing a turtle at the Turtle Landing Beach, part of the Turtle Conservation and Information Centre in Cherating, Pahang, sparked outrage. Could it be true that this group was filmed harassing a turtle as it attempted to nest? Verdict: TRUE A 51-year-old Cherating man, had been arrested for allegedly disturbing a turtle attempting to nest at the Turtle Conservation and Information Centre on Saturday (July 26). The suspect was detained around 1pm on Monday (July 28) in the Cherating area, and police are searching for two more suspects believed to be involved in the incident. Acting Kuantan OCPD Supt Mohd Adli Mat Daud said that the suspect was believed to have disturbed the turtle to expedite the egg-laying process for illegal sale or use. A video of the incident has since gone viral online. The Pahang Fisheries Department expressed deep regret over the actions of these individuals, which occurred on Saturday at approximately 6.45am. Roslan Abu Hasan, the director of the department, condemned the actions as irresponsible. "We are deeply saddened by this inhumane act," Roslan told Sinar Harian. He highlighted that turtles are protected under the Fisheries Act 1985, and such incidents reflect a lack of awareness about the importance of preserving increasingly threatened marine species. Roslan emphasised that anyone found disturbing, capturing, or destroying turtle habitats could face strict penalties under the Fisheries Act 1985, which imposes fines ranging from RM500 to RM20,000. Continuous monitoring is being conducted at key turtle landing sites in the state, including Tioman Island, Kuala Rompin, Cherating Beach, and Tanjung Batu Nenasi in Pekan. In a call to action, Roslan urged local communities and tourism operators to play a role in protecting turtles. "We are all responsible for preserving the state's marine resources. Report any suspicious activities immediately to ensure these turtles remain safe and continue to land in our waters," he stated. Roslan reaffirmed the department's commitment to turtle conservation and ongoing public education and awareness activities. References: 1. my/article/740833/edisi/ pahang/tiga-lelaki-ganggu- penyu-boleh-dikenakan- tindakan-tegas---jabatan- perikanan
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Man arrested for stealing turtle eggs at Cherating beach
A man has been arrested while two of his accomplices are being hunted by police after being suspected of involvement in stealing turtle eggs at the Turtle Conservation and Information Centre in Cherating yesterday. Acting Kuantan district police chief Superintendent Mohd Adli Mat Daud said the 51-year-old suspect was arrested at a house in Cherating around 1pm yesterday, and preliminary urine screening found the man tested positive for drugs. He said police received a report about the incident from the Pahang Fisheries Department around 10am, Sunday (July 27), following a viral video on social media showing three men carrying a turtle at the popular tourist beach. He said investigations found the incident occurred at 7am, the same day, and the three suspects are locals believed to be involved in turtle egg theft activities. 'The viral footage was recorded by a local tourist who came across the three suspects lifting a turtle at the beach. 'The suspects brought the reptile to a hole that had been pre-dug at the beach to speed up the process of the turtle laying eggs. The suspects are believed to have acted in this manner to take the turtle eggs for sale or illegal use,' he said in a statement. Mohd Adli said the identities of the two other suspects being hunted have been identified. 'The arrested suspect will be handed over to the Fisheries Department for further action. 'The case is being investigated under Section 27 of the Fisheries Act 1985, where no one is allowed to fish, disturb, harass, catch or take turtles. If convicted, they can be fined up to RM5,000,' he added. The police action comes after a group of men were recorded lifting a turtle believed to be coming ashore to lay eggs at a beach that went viral on social media, sparking public outrage. Through a two-minute video uploaded on platform X around 11.57pm on Sunday, three men were seen in the sandy area lifting the reptile despite being warned by several other visitors.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Man held over viral video of turtle mishandling in Cherating
KUANTAN: A 51-year-old man has been detained in connection with a viral video showing three people handling an adult turtle that was attempting to lay eggs on a beach near the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary yesterday. The suspect, who tested positive for drugs, was picked up at his home nearby at about 1pm today. Authorities are still tracking down his two accomplices. Acting Kuantan police chief Superintendent Mohd Adli Mat Daud said the Pahang Fisheries Department lodged a report at about 10am today after several video clips went viral showing three men disturbing a sea turtle that had come ashore to lay eggs. "Visitors at the beach recorded the men carrying the turtle at around 7am. The men were seen moving the turtle towards a hole they had dug earlier. "Investigations revealed that the men had carried the turtle and dug the hole in an attempt to expedite the egg-laying process. "However, after realising they were being closely watched by a group of visitors, they decided to release the turtle back into the sea," he said in a statement today. Adli said the suspects are believed to have been attempting to collect the turtle eggs for illegal sale or personal use. He said police were able to arrest one of the suspects based on the viral footage and are working closely with the Fisheries Department to locate the remaining two men. Adli said that under Section 27 of the Fisheries Act 1985, it is an offence to fish, disturb, harass, catch, or take any aquatic mammal or turtle, and offenders may be fined up to RM5,000. In the video, three men can be seen trying to carry a turtle that had emerged from the sea before one of them suddenly slips and falls on the sand. A visitor present at the beach is heard telling the men to let the animal go.
