In the Malaysian state of Sabah, a group of volunteer women are actively combating the illegal trade and poaching of protected sea turtles, a species vital to the region’s marine ecosystem. Among them is 36-year-old Roziah Jelali, who has spent extended periods monitoring suspected poachers, relying on patience, vigilance, and coordination with local conservationists.

Roziah recounted a 2023 case when she tracked a poacher over three months across Omadal and Bum Bum islands, documenting his movements and activities from her home using binoculars. The poacher was found killing turtles at sea, then butchering and cooking the animals on his boat. Thanks to her detailed reports, wildlife officials arrested the suspect and an accomplice, who were implicated in the illegal capture of five turtles, with four killed for their meat.

Roziah and her peers are members of the Women’s Association of Omadal Island (WAPO), a volunteer group dedicated to protecting marine life around Omadal and nearby islands. Trained by Sabah’s Wildlife Department and WWF-Malaysia, these women share a deep connection to the sea through both conservation efforts and their family ties to the fishing industry. Chairwoman Sitti Rasah Haji Abdul noted that the group has not recorded any turtle landings on Omadal in the past year, signaling progress despite ongoing challenges. Sitti expressed concern over the disappearance of nesting turtles, a formerly common sight, but remains committed to reviving their presence.

The conservation of sea turtles is crucial to Sabah’s biodiversity. Fully protected under Sabah wildlife conservation laws since 1997, turtles contribute to the health of seagrass meadows, which play a significant role in carbon storage and support for marine life. They also help control jellyfish populations and transfer nutrients between marine and coastal ecosystems.

However, Sabah remains a hotspot for illegal turtle trade, partly due to its location within the Sulu-Celebes Seas—a trafficking corridor extending between Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Wildlife trade monitoring groups report that this region accounts for most illicit turtle trade activities in the area. Turtle eggs and various turtle parts, such as hawksbill scutes, are highly sought after by poachers. In November 2025, authorities seized a significant haul of hawksbill turtle scutes in Semporna, arresting two individuals, including a foreign national.

Experts highlight the difficulties faced by enforcement agencies in patrolling this vast maritime area. The Sulu-Celebes Seas’ busy routes are exploited by poachers who blend in with legitimate fisherfolk and cargo vessels, employing tactics described as "co-riding and camouflage." Maritime security specialists emphasize that limited resources and insufficient patrol vessels hinder efforts to effectively monitor and intercept illegal wildlife activities.

Despite these challenges, the women volunteers see their work as complementary to official law enforcement. Both Roziah and Sitti acknowledge the personal risks involved, including encounters with armed poachers and navigating harsh weather conditions. Their resolve remains strong, motivated by a sense of responsibility to protect marine life for future generations.

"If not me, then who will do it for the generations to come?" Sitti said. Roziah echoed this sentiment, underscoring the need for courage and determination in facing the ongoing threats to Malaysia’s sea turtle populations.