Brunei Tightens Screws On Turtle Trade
By Azlan Othman

Eggs seize at boarder

Bandar Seri Begawan - Alert Brunei enforcement officials saved hundreds of turtle eggs from ending up on the dining table in a major drive helping worldwide conservation efforts to preserve the endangered species.

In the latest move the enforcement officers from the Royal Brunei Customs and Excise, questioned two Bruneian women, who are vendors at the Tamu for bringing in 501 turtle eggs into the sultanate from neighbouring Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.

Turtles have been listed as protected species under appendix I of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Flora and Fauna. In Brunei, turtles are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act (revised 1984) under the jurisdiction of the Museums Department.

The local women were caught at the Kuala Lurah control post Wednesday night in a joint operation by the Limau Manis police and Implementation Operation Unit of the Religious Affairs. The turtle eggs were handed over to the police.

Besides illegal chicken and alcohol making their way across the border into Brunei, turtle eggs, which are on top of the endangered list, have lately joined the list.

The government through the Fisheries Department continues to educate the public on conservation efforts to save the endangered sea creature and its eggs from ending up in the pot.

Nearly 20 officers took part in the operation on the eve of the Chinese New Year. Meanwhile, two Muslims were also questioned by the religious officers for crossing the border for a swig and for bringing in alcoholic drinks.

In another development, 15 police from Limau Manis CID division carried out three spot checks at three separate places to keep track of foreign workers violating the country's immigration laws. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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