Penang: The Penang Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) detained a Bangladeshi national for allegedly keeping 100 turtles and softshell turtles without a licence during a raid on a house in Bagan Lalang, Butterworth, last Sunday. State Perhilitan director Mohd Zaide Mohamed Zin stated that the raid, conducted at 4.45 pm, was carried out jointly with the police following intelligence and information received over the past two weeks.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the raid uncovered 94 turtles, including Malayan box, Black Marsh, Chinese striped-necked, and red-eared slider turtles, along with six Asian softshell turtles. These were found in several plastic containers, with a total estimated value of RM20,000. Mohd Zaide explained that the suspect was present during the raid at the house, located in a village area. Investigations suggest the animals were either caught from rivers in the state or purchased from other individuals.

Mohd Zaide noted that it was unclear how long the suspect had been involved in this activity, but accumulating as many as 100 animals likely took one to two years. The turtles and softshell turtles were intended for sale to places of worship for religious rituals, with prices ranging from RM20 to RM200 per animal, depending on size.

The 45-year-old suspect, who possessed valid travel documents, has been remanded for four days to facilitate further investigations. The seized animals will be released back into their natural habitat after obtaining a court disposal order. Non-native species will be temporarily placed at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) in Sungkai, Perak, for quarantine.

Turtles and softshell turtles are protected species, and individuals must obtain a licence from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to keep or possess such exotic animals. Action will be taken under Section 60(1)(a) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) against any party found violating the law.