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KOTA KINABALU: KK Wetlands Centre, a Ramsar world heritage site and one of only two in the world to boast of a wetlands within the city after Osaka in Japan has become the target of thieves of a different kind.

These thieves only want the Belian (ironwood) planks and pillars (8ft long, 4 inches wide and an inch thick) that line the boardwalk which the public rely on to crisscross the area. Belian is a prized hardwood.

Those suspected to have struck several times are squatters staying in the Signal Hill nearby – which was a target of public complaints of mushrooming squatters with only lip service of action from the relevant authorities.

An official of the Centre said it began facing the problem after Sabah Parks withdrew its guard due to lack of funds in the Ministry. About 200 pieces of boardwalk planks were ripped off and carted away on Friday night, forcing the centre to close several sections to visitors.

A police report was lodged. The official also said they have lodged countless police reports and even requested staff to work overtime during midnight and dawn for monitoring.

City Hall and the Sabah Wildlife Department are aware of the situation, according to the official, who hoped the guard service would be reinstated for the sake of retaining the Ramsar status.