Masjid tanah: The carcass of a hawksbill turtle was found washed ashore along Pengkalan Balak beach in Masjid Tanah by members of the public at about 3.30 pm yesterday. Melaka Fisheries director Saufi Affandi Talib confirmed the discovery of the male turtle, known scientifically as Eretmochelys imbricata. The turtle's age was estimated to be between 10 and 15 years based on its carapace measurements of 80 centimetres in length and 72 centimetres in width.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the hawksbill turtle did not have an identification tag and is suspected to have died after becoming entangled in a fishing net. A portion of the carapace was also found to be detached, indicating possible struggles or external impacts. In response to the discovery, immediate action was undertaken to manage the turtle's remains to prevent environmental pollution and maintain the cleanliness of the beach.

The burial process was completed at about 3.45 pm on the same day at the site of the discovery. Saufi highlighted the hawksbill turtle's status as a protected marine species, classified as 'critically endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The species faces significant threats of extinction, mainly due to the illegal trade of its shell for decorative purposes.

Saufi urged the public to refrain from capturing or trading the species, as such activities are prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.