KOTA KINABALU – Fourteen men, including four police officers, have been arrested over illegal hunting in a commercial forest in Kalabakan, Tawau.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali in a statement said this comes after a special team, which includes participation of a wildlife non-governmental organisation, led by the state Forestry Department raided the area.
“The team confiscated wild boar and deer carcasses – believed to be game – several firearms, and five four-wheel drives from the illegal hunters.”
The Vibes understands that the incident happened last Sunday.
The Forestry Department has since transferred the case to the state Wildlife Department.
All the suspects have been released on police bail after their statements were taken following a request from the Wildlife Department.
Hazani assured that a transparent probe will be carried out by police involving their personnel.
“At this point, we are still awaiting the full report from the Wildlife Department.”
He said police will not interfere, but instead assist in the department’s investigation.
“We advise the public to stop spreading fake news and speculations to avoid tainting the good name of the police force.
“Stern action will be taken against those who spread fake news in accordance with Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.”
In February, the Wildlife Department had banned the hunting of wild boars due to concerns regarding the African Swine Fever (ASF) which is now spreading in Sabah.
It was reported earlier today that at least 100 Borneon bearded pigs have been found dead in forest reserves in the state, believed to be due to ASF.
The state Veterinary Services Department had first declared the outbreak of the ASF in Pitas on February 23, following the detection of the virus among pigs in the district. – The Vibes, March 17, 2021
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