KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department raided a premises where a sun bear cub on display was kept and seized protected wildlife parts in a separate operation in Lahad Datu.
The department said it received a public complaint over a Facebook video showing a sun bear at a public attraction site.
An enforcement operation was conducted under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
Officers found a sun bear cub being kept at the premises for public viewing, and a man, believed to be the owner or manager, was detained to assist investigations.
In a separate raid, authorities arrested a man at an eatery for allegedly possessing three sun bear fangs used as decorative items.
The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is listed as a Totally Protected species under Schedule 1 of the enactment, and no licence or permit is issued to the public to hunt, possess, keep or display the animal.
If convicted, offenders face a fine of between RM50,000 and RM250,000, and a jail term of between one and five years.
Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the department would not compromise on any wildlife-related offences and thanked members of the public for providing information.
“We will not compromise against any violation of wildlife laws. We appreciate the public for channelling information related to wildlife crimes.
Those encountering Schedule 1 species such as the sun bear should immediately report to the department or surrender the animal for rescue and proper management,” he said in a statement, Thursday.
