Four suspected poachers detained in central Sabah

The suspected poachers detained by wildlife officers.

KOTA KINABALU: Four local men have been arrested for suspected illegal hunting in Tongod, a district in the heart of Sabah, today.

The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) also seized two carcasses, believed to be barking deers, at a roadblock set up at the entrance gate of the Sabah Foundation’s concession area at Sungai Millian, Tongod.

SWD public relations officer Siti Nur’ain Ampuan Acheh said the roadblock was carried out following a tip off from the public about a group of hunters entering the area.

She said the roadblock was a joint effort involving six staff from the wildlife department and two staff from the Sabah Forestry Department.

“Four local men aged 23, 30, 37 and 43 were detained for investigation under Section 41(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 for possession of a protected animal and animal product without any permit from the Sabah Wildlife Department,” she said in a statement.

The penalty for the offence is a minimum RM30,000 fine but not exceeding RM100,000, or imprisonment of at least six months but not exceeding three years, or both, on conviction, she added.

Siti Nur’ain said a four-wheel drive vehicle and a motorcycle were also confiscated from the hunters.

A police report has also been lodged. -FMT