Tuaran: A man believed to be a former forest ranger was arrested after allegedly possessing various parts of protected wildlife, estimated to be worth RM589,230, in a raid in Tuaran, Sabah, this morning.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK) commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar stated that the 61-year-old man was arrested around 7.15 am in an operation resulting from the collaboration between WCB/PSK and the Sabah Wildlife Department. The inspection uncovered 55 pairs of antlers believed to be deer antlers, three rhino horns, 330 pangolin scales, as well as the carcasses and skins of pythons, hornbill skulls, elephant bones and teeth, sambar deer antlers, bear skulls, and several other parts of wild animals.
Mohd Zaki reported that the total value of the seizure is estimated at RM589,230. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect obtained the animal parts by purchasing them from villagers in the interior of Sabah and collecting animal parts made into a personal collection. The suspect is believed to have started collecting parts of wild animals since serving as a forest ranger in 1986 before taking voluntary retirement in 2019 due to health reasons.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 for possessing or hunting protected wildlife, as well as Section 41(2) for possessing or selling protected wildlife. If convicted, the suspect could face a minimum fine of RM50,000 up to a maximum of RM250,000 or imprisonment for up to five years for an offence under Section 41(1). For offences under Section 41(2), the offender could be fined a minimum of RM30,000 to a maximum of RM100,000 or imprisoned for up to three years.
Mohd Zaki added that the suspect, along with the seized items, were taken to the Tuaran district police headquarters before being handed over to the Sabah Wildlife Department's investigating officer for further action.