Man detained for possessing wildlife parts without authorisation

KOTA KINABALU: A local man was arrested for possessing, storing and displaying wildlife parts without valid authorisation. Sabah Wildlife director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said that enforcement officers discovered and seized various wildlife parts believed to be from protected species. They include sixteen tusks suspected to be from wild boars, 9 teeth suspected to be from either tigers or clouded leopard, 10 teeth suspected to be from bears, as well as a quantity of edible bird’s nest products of various weights and thirteen (13) stones suspected to be from porcupines. The Integrated Khazanah Operation was held on May 13 at a business premises along Jalan Gaya here. Those involved in the operations were Sabah Wildlife Department and police. The man was detained under Section 41(1) and Section 41(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Upon conviction, offenders may face a fine of not less than RM30,000 and not more than RM100,000, or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months and not more than five (5) years, or both. For offences involving fully protected wildlife species, offenders may also face a fine of not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM250,000, and imprisonment of not less than one (1) year and not more than five (5) years.  

Ends.