Gentle threats won’t save the sea turtles in Malaysia

The Star 12 Mar 10;

THE solution is obvious if we really want to save the turtles from extinction, “WWF: Stop eating turtle eggs to save species from extinction” (The Star, March 11). Hit people where it hurts them most – their pockets. And if they value their physical freedom too, put them behind bars for an appreciable period.

If we simply tell people to stop consuming eggs, will that actually make them do so? No, we are Malaysians. Sometimes our gastronomic pleasures overrule what is right or good for us.

I will be the first to admit that when I was a child, turtle eggs were a delicacy and a trip to the east coast is not complete without buying scores of these eggs for our own consumption or for giving away as presents to other members of the family or friends. Sometimes, we would have relatives who lived near the Perak coastal areas who would visit us and bring these eggs as gifts.

After a long absence, our family has resumed trips to the east coast during the school holidays. These eggs are openly on sale. The sad thing is that the vendors are aware that they are doing something illegal.

In the period between being a child and growing up, I have been made aware about these turtles. They have travelled thousands of miles to lay their eggs on our shores, the survival rates for these eggs is very low and many of these turtles die after being caught in fishing nets and the species is dying out.

When I hear people singing praises about the delicate flavour of these eggs, I am appalled. These people are either unaware of the plight of the turtles or could not be bothered.

Thus, we need to raise awareness about the turtles and other endangered species. We need proper and strict enforcement, which Malaysians know is a terrible failing on our part. I recall an incident in Sarawak where turtle eggs were served at an official function. Despite reports that this was a terrible practice, no one was brought to book.

We need adequate punishment. Impose a fine and imprisonment for selling these eggs and also have a similar fine and jail sentence for those buying them. Do not imagine that kind words and pleas, or gentle threats, will make the Malaysian gourmand alter his eating habits. He won’t, but a hefty punishment will.

MARIAM MOKHTAR,
Ipoh.