Bung Moktar
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has denied claims by an opposition party that he was allegedly served turtle eggs.
“This is a slander that is manipulated by those who are irresponsible and wants to destroy my political career with cheap and uncivilized issues,” replied Bung in his Facebook account ‘Bung Moktar Radin’.
Bung also shared the explanation made by Facebook account holder ‘Rapidcdorezo’ who alleged that the photo that he shared has been manipulated by irresponsible parties.
‘Rapidcdorezo’ claimed that the eggs in the picture with Bung were actually unshelled chicken eggs and expressed his apologies to Bung for the action taken by foreign parties to manipulate the pictures.
Earlier, a photo of Bung Moktar having a meal which included what looked like the protected turtle eggs has gone viral.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said he had ordered the Sabah Wildlife Department to conduct a full investigation.
The Sabah Umno secretary said action would be taken if there is a need to.
“Nobody is above the law, but we have to go through certain processes as provided by the law,” he said on Friday.
The photo shows Bung Moktar who is Sabah Umno liaison chairman, giving the thumbs up with an unidentified person. Turtles are protected under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, thus possession of the species is illegal.
The offence, under Section 41(1) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, provides for a fine of between RM50,000 and RM250,000 and a jail term of between a year and five years, or both, on conviction.