Bung Moktar
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has urged the authorities to investigate the individual responsible for making the photograph of him being served turtle eggs viral on social media.
“I have said that I am ready to cooperate with the authotiries on the matter but they must first investigate the individual who started it. I did not consume turtle eggs … what I ate were chicken eggs,” he said.
Bung described the act of making the photograph viral as ‘dirty politics’ adding, “those who play dirty politics will not go far and I will not stoop down to their level”.
He said this to the media at the vaccination outreach program at Kampung Tanjung Aru in Kinabatangan on Saturday.
Bung Moktar had earlier said he is willing to cooperate with any investigation over the “turtle eggs” controversy to clear his name.
He claimed that a photograph was doctored by irresponsible parties trying to tarnish his image.
“I am also not a fan of turtle eggs due to its cholesterol content which is not good for my health.
“Those were not turtle eggs as claimed by some irresponsible quarters, but hard-boiled chicken eggs which had been shelled.
“I am ready to be called in by relevant authorities for investigation should there be any further need,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Bung also said that the picture was taken a month ago.
The Kinabatangan MP came under fire on Friday when a photograph of him having a meal with a plate of what looked like turtle eggs on the dining table went viral.
Possession and consumption of turtle eggs are prohibited under the Sabah Wildlife Enactment 1997.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin had said that the state Wildlife Department had been asked to look into the matter.
Bung who is Kinabatangan member of parliament and Lamag assemblyman, said
the Covid-19 vaccination outreach program is one of the government’s efforts to ensure that people will be protected against the virus.
“I am satisfied with the program as it ensures that local communites in the kampungs are not left out from being vaccinated against the Covid 19 virus,” he said.
Bung Moktar added getting the people inoculated is important because Covid-19 infection cases are high.
“The infection cases nationwide are high and we cannot allow this situation to prolong, so the GRS government planned a mechanism to ensure that the rakyat in Sabah will be vaccinated as soon as possible and that folks in the rural areas are not left out,” he said.
He appealed to the rakyat in Sabah to come forward and get vaccinated so that they will be safe and protected to go about their daily lives.
He also appealed to Sabahans who are still wary and doubtful about the vaccines to discard their worries as the vaccines are safe.
“Don’t listen to all the negative talks about the vaccines, they are all safe and getting inoculated will keep us safe. If we do not get vaccinated, the risk of us getting infected with the virus and spreading it to others is high,” he said.
Bung Moktar also said the state government hopes to acheive herd immunity which is ensuring that 80 per cent to 85 per cent of the people in Sabah vaccinated by October this year.