SINCE July 2024, six elephants have been found decapitated in Sabah, a situation believed to be fuelled by market demand, stated Soffian Abu Bakar, the director of the Sabah Wildlife Department.
Investigations are ongoing, but no substantial evidence has yet emerged to prosecute those responsible for these heinous acts, he said as reported by Borneo Post.
Authorities remain committed to identifying the individuals behind the elephant killings that have occurred since last year.
"In 2024 alone, we have recorded 32 elephant deaths attributed to various factors, including illness, poisoning, suspected murder, and shooting, with four of these cases involving decapitation," Soffian said.
"As of today, two additional elephants have been killed in the same manner, bringing the total to six. All these incidents have taken place along Kalabakan Road. We suspect that the primary motive for these killings is the demand for ivory," he explained.
Asked about the rationale behind the decapitation, Soffian noted, "The act of decapitation is likely a means to expedite the process of obtaining ivory from the elephant carcass, as the highest quality ivory can only be accessed by severing the head."
Soffian asserts that this brutal practice is driven by market demand, highlighting that elephant decapitations will persist as long as there is a market for ivory.
The first documented case of elephant decapitation in Sabah occurred in July 2024, with earlier fatalities primarily linked to poisoning.
Datuk Seri Christina Liew, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, expressed sadness regarding the plight of Sabah's wildlife when asked about the beheadings.
"The state government is determined to bring those responsible to justice. However, we currently lack concrete evidence to identify the culprits," she stated.
She also noted that relevant authorities are actively monitoring the situation and suggested that some villagers may know the identities of the offenders but are reluctant to come forward.
"I intend to meet with the director of the Wildlife Department to discuss potential strategies," she added. – April 9, 2025
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