The turtle, nicknamed Klowyi, was seen floating and unable to dive at Kudat waters a month ago.
A Kudat Turtle Conservation Society member took it and alerted the rescue unit.
During its rehabilitation, Klowyi was placed at the Clownfish Discovery Centre of Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort (STAR) Marina here where the unit s veterinarians and rangers nursed it back to health until it was able to be released on Wednesday (May 12) morning near Sapi Island waters.
State department assistant director Dr Sen Nathan said Klowyi suffered from a serious condition caused by excess accumulation of gas in the body, making it unable to dive for food or protection.