KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government will be considering a suggestion from WWF-Malaysia to form a Wildlife Crime Bureau to tackle the rise in wildlife crimes in the state.
The environmental organisation had proposed the bureau, which is parked under the jurisdiction of the Royal Malaysian Police, to allow for streamlining of information, effective data collection and crime analysis, training on intelligence sharing as well as support for wildlife officers in states across the country.
WWF-Malaysia made the suggestion following the arrest of six people to facilitate investigations into brutal killing of an elephant in Tawau on Sept 23.
Post mortem revealed that more than 70 bullets were found in the male Borneon Elephant Pygmy at Sungai Udin Close to a Felda plantation.
State Deputy Minister Datuk Christina Liew said that it is a good suggestion and the ministry, via Sabah Wildlife Department, would look into the mechanism and practicality of the bureau.
"It is always good to do anything that can prevent criminal action in killing our wildlife.
"As for the recovered ivories, we may just burn them, We do not want to give the impression that those tusks can be used," said the state Tourism, Culture and Environment minister.
She was speaking to reporters after the press conference on 25th edition World Amateur Golfers Championship 2019.
As for the rewards for whistleblowers, Liew said police are now working closely with the ministry to have the perpetrators to face the music at the court.
"They are working on the RM10,000 reward, once (that the informant) is able to satisfy the condition that enable to catch the culprits, we will give the money.
"Police is working hand in hand with us. When they are able to establish that this crime and action are committed indeed by the six people, then only we will release the money," she said, hoping the arrest would put an end to senseless killing of wildlife.
The six people, aged between 48 and 68, is under remand until Sunday (Oct 6).
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