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A RARE Borneo pygmy elephant has been found dead and mutilated in Sabah in what authorities suspect to be a serious wildlife crime involving the illegal removal of tusks and parts of the animal’s head.
The carcass of the male elephant was discovered in the Pinangah Forest Reserve in Tongod on Sunday, triggering an immediate investigation by the Sabah Wildlife Department and police.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Jafry Ariffin confirmed the discovery and described the incident as deeply alarming, saying authorities were treating the case with utmost seriousness.
“The Sabah Wildlife Department carried out an initial inspection at the scene together with the Royal Malaysia Police, community rangers and plantation representatives.
“Based on preliminary information, the incident is believed to have occurred on May 17 after witnesses in a plantation area heard a loud explosive sound before further inspection was delayed because of weather conditions,” he said.
According to Jafry, plantation workers later discovered the carcass of the elephant the following day with part of its head and tusks missing, leading investigators to believe the animal had been deliberately mutilated.
He said wildlife officers were immediately deployed to the area after authorities received reports of the discovery.
“Initial examinations found injuries to the head believed to have been caused by a sharp object.
“At this stage, no gunshot wounds have been found, while further investigations are continuing to determine the cause of the incident and identify those involved,” he said.
Investigators also recovered several items believed to be potential evidence at the scene, including cigarette boxes and water bottles, which have since been handed over for forensic examination.
The minister said the Sabah Wildlife Department had intensified enforcement measures following the incident, including mounting roadblocks in cooperation with police and strengthening patrol operations in the surrounding forest and plantation areas.
The killing has renewed concerns over threats faced by the critically endangered Borneo pygmy elephant population, which is found only in Sabah and is increasingly threatened by habitat loss, human conflict and illegal poaching activities. - May 19, 2026
