By Olivia Miwil
SEMPORNA: The Sabah Wildlife Department and police have raided a resort here that allegedly served exotic animals, including totally protected species, to tourists.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said an Integrated Khazanah Operation was carried out at the resort yesterday following tip-offs.
"Enforcement officers discovered and seized one live pangolin. The species is classified as totally protected."
He said enforcers also found several dishes that are believed to involve protected species.
He said several people were called in to assist in investigations under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
The pangolin is listed as a totally protected species under Schedule I of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. There is no licence or permit for any individual or premises to possess, store, sell or prepare this species as food.
Upon conviction, offenders face a fine of not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM250,000 and imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than five years.
"The Sabah Wildlife Department views seriously any activity involving serving wildlife to tourists," Soffian said.
"Such practices not only contravene the law, but can also jeopardise Sabah's reputation as a responsible nature tourism destination."
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