These two images have gone viral on social media and messaging apps.
PETALING JAYA: The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) is investigating images of several individuals posing next to a dead tiger that have gone viral on social media.
"We take a serious view of this matter and have ordered a probe to be carried out to check the authenticity of the images," said Perhilitan director-general Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim.
"Investigations into the case will be done under Section 68(2)(c) of the Wildlife Protection Act 2010 for hunting tigers without a special permit," he said in a statement to The Star Friday evening.
The offence carries a jail term of up to five years and a maximum fine of RM500,000, upon conviction.
Abdul Kadir said his officers were now going all-out to track down those responsible and verify the exact location where the photo was taken.
Tigers are a protected species and it is illegal to kill or maim them, unless in a life-threatening situation.
He urged those with information on the case to call the Perhilitan hotline at 1-800-88-5151 (8am to 6pm) or to file a report on its website at www.wildlife.gov.my.
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