Organ and stomach samples collected from bull elephant found dead in Kinabatangan River

ORGAN and stomach content samples from a male elephant found dead in the Kinabatangan River have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine the precise cause of death

Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin stated that the samples were gathered during a post-mortem examination conducted by the Sabah Wildlife Department on 1 October.

He noted that physical examinations revealed several injuries on the carcass, whilst both tusks were found to be missing.

"At this stage, the exact cause of death has yet to be determined. We are awaiting laboratory results as well as the complete findings of the post-mortem examination," Jafry said in a statement issued in Kota Kinabalu today.

"I have directed the Sabah Wildlife Department to carry out a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of this case, including the circumstances surrounding the missing tusks," he added.

Jafry stressed that the ministry would not speculate regarding the injuries, the missing tusks, or the cause of death, as all aspects require further investigation supported by empirical evidence.

The elephant was located near Angco Jaya Estate and Lot 4 of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, after the department received an initial report regarding the carcass floating in the river near Pontian Estate.

Following the report, a Rapid Response Team accompanied by Honorary Wildlife Rangers from Sukau conducted a search before locating the carcass, which was believed to have drifted downstream from its original reported location.

"The carcass was towed to the riverbank with the assistance of machinery provided by Angco Jaya Estate to allow physical examinations and a post-mortem to be carried out," Jafry said.

"The elephant was identified as a male standing approximately six feet tall and estimated to be aged between 14 and 18 years old."

"Based on the condition of the carcass, the animal is estimated to have been dead for approximately four to five days prior to the examination," he noted.

Jafry added that the Sabah Wildlife Department has recorded a statement from the individual who first reported the discovery to assist ongoing enquiries.

He affirmed that the state government views the incident with utmost seriousness, and appropriate action will be taken should investigations reveal evidence of human involvement or violations of wildlife protection laws.

The minister urged members of the public possessing relevant information to step forward and assist the Sabah Wildlife Department.

"We must allow the department space to complete its investigation and obtain the laboratory results. Any speculation regarding the cause of death should be avoided until the scientific findings and investigation results are obtained," he said.

Local residents originally spotted the floating carcass at approximately 4:30 PM on 30 September as it drifted down the Kinabatangan River towards Sukau, before notifying wildlife authorities. - October 3, 2026