KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin will be called up with regards to the turtle egg issue if there is a need.

       Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said as of now, no one had come forward to lodge an official report on the matter.

       “However, our officials will investigate,” he said.

       Asked if Bung will be called up to have his statement recorded to facilitate the investigation, Jafry said “if need to”.

       The Kinabatangan MP came under fire last week when a photo of him dining on a table that allegedly had a plate of turtle eggs on it, went viral on social media.

       Bung said the photo had been edited.

       He then posted on his Facebook account another photo of him holding de-shelled half-boiled eggs to indirectly explain what the “real eggs” were on the table.

       He also said that he was willing to be investigated if there was a need.

       Before turtles were listed as protected under the Wildlife Enactment, their flesh and eggs were considered a delicacy, especially among coastal residents.

       Once, a special permit was granted to east coast folks to harvest the eggs but only for self-consumption.

       However, the rules changed following the Sabah Wildlife Enactment 1997 as the numbers of turtles in the wild were found dwindling due to meat and egg poaching.

       It is considered an offence to harvest, sell or consume turtle eggs or any parts of turtles in the state and those convicted are liable to a fine of RM250,000 or to five years’ imprisonment or both.