Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Wildlife Department, together with the General Operations Force (GOF), arrested three people during Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah on Monday for allegedly possessing and preparing wildlife for exotic meals at a tourist resort in Semporna.
Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said enforcement officers seized a live Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), which is a totally protected species, as well as several prepared dishes believed to contain protected wildlife.
“Several individuals were detained to assist in further investigations under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997,” he said.
He said the Sunda pangolin is a totally protected species under Schedule I of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
“No licence or permit has been issued to any individual or premises, including tourism establishments, to possess, keep, sell, or serve this species as food,” he added.
Upon conviction, offenders may be liable to a fine of not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM250,000, and imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than five years.
“The Sabah Wildlife Department views seriously any activity involving the preparation of protected wildlife as exotic food for tourists, as such practices not only contravene the law but may also jeopardise Sabah’s reputation as a responsible nature tourism destination,” said Suffian.
“The department gives a stern warning that enforcement actions will continue to be intensified against any tourism premises involved in wildlife-related crimes,” he added.
