11 Endangered Green Turtles Found Slaughtered In Malaysia

It is a crime in Malaysia to target protected turtles, punishable by jail terms and fines.

Eleven endangered turtles have been found slaughtered off the Malaysian part of Borneo island, with members of an indigenous, sea-dwelling community suspected of targeting them for food, officials said Monday.

Wildlife officials found the green turtles Friday during patrols near the city of Semporna, in Sabah state.

They also found sacks of suspected turtle meat, a stove, and a knife at the scene, Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said. Efforts are ongoing to catch the perpetrators but none have been arrested.

It is a crime in Malaysia to target protected turtles, punishable by jail terms and fines.