KENINGAU: A 52-year-old was arrested in Sook for possessing eight animal products protected under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
A Sabah Wildlife Department team (SWD) raided the suspect’s home in Kampung Tuawon, Terusmadi at 12.40pm on Saturday after gathering intelligence for the past month.
SWD Director Augustine Tuuga said they found four paws and nine teeth of a sun bear, pangolin scales, one hornbill skull, 12 pairs and four pieces of deer antlers, seven porcupine spines, six live blue crowned hanging parrots and two live turtles.
“The arrest was made as a result of a joint operation with the Royal Malaysian Police and Sabah Forestry Department PROTECT unit.
“He is being detained to assist investigations under Section 41 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, which is for the possession of protected animals and animal products,” he said.
Augustine stressed that sun bears and pangolins are fully protected animals in the State.
Under the Enactment, keeping animals or animal products without permission is an offence carrying the penalty of a fine not less than RM50,000 and imprisonment for no less than a year.
Augustine also reminded the public that SWD, through its Intelligence Unit, constantly monitors and identifies any illegal or criminal activities against wildlife through social media.
He thanked and welcomed more members of the public who have information related to wildlife crimes to inform the department immediately.
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