Kijal: A green sea turtle, weighing approximately 80 kilograms, was discovered dead at Pantai Penunjuk in Kijal. The carcass was found on the beach by a local resident, sparking concern among environmentalists and locals alike.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the turtle was discovered by Amru Rashid, 37, from Kampung Che Wan, Kijal, who was taking a break on the beach. Amru, accompanied by his friend Suhaimi Che Wan Sidik, 53, noticed a large object being tossed by the waves before it was washed ashore.
Upon further inspection, they identified the object as a turtle lying upside down. The turtle appeared to have injuries on its tail, which Amru suggested could have been caused by entanglement in a net. Notably, there were no signs of decay or a foul odor emanating from the turtle, suggesting that it had died relatively recently. Amru and his friend attempted to turn the turtle over but found it too heavy to manage.
The discovery of the dead turtle has raised concerns about the potential threats faced by marine life in the area, particularly from fishing nets and other human activities. The presence of such a large sea turtle on the beach highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting marine wildlife. Environmental agencies and local authorities are expected to investigate further to determine the cause of death and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.