Man held for allegedly offering RM5,000 over wildlife offence

Kota Kinabalu: A man, who tossed RM5,000 cash into the car of a state government official to “soften” investigations against a friend for keeping protected animals, was arrested for graft.

It was learned that the suspect was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) around 5.30pm on Thursday (March 25) following a complaint lodged by the investigating officer of the Sabah Wildlife Department.

The self-employed suspect in his 50s had apparently offered the money to one of the investigating wildlife officers to reduce charges against his friend who was arrested for keeping the animals including a sun bear at an area in Papar.

When contacted, Sabah MACC Director S. Karunanithy (pic) confirmed on Friday (March 26) that they arrested a suspect in connection with the case.

He was released on a RM8,000 MACC bail with two sureties after his statement was recorded.

It was learned that the Wildlife Department had recently raided a compound where they rescued an assorted number of wildlife including protected species in Tawau.

Among the animals recovered were the endangered sun bear as well crocodiles, wild boars, pythons and a variety of birds. The owner was being investigated under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 for possession of the animals without a permit.

It was learned that the illegally kept animals were being used for medical purposes at the area that was raided by the wildlife enforcement officers after weeks of surveillance.