Two arrested for trying to sell endangered pangolin

KOTA KINABALU: An endangered pangolin was saved from uncertain fate when it was seized from two men who were trying to sell it off.

Sabah Wildlife Department personnel arrested the men, aged 25 and 27, from Papar at Tanjung Lipat near here.

Department director Augustine Tuuga said the men were trying to sell the animal, which was in a weakened state and weighed some 1.9kg, for RM150 per kg.

"They are being detained for investigation under Section 41(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 for illegal possession of a protected species," he said late Thursday.

He added that the men were intercepted following a public tip off.

"The pangolin was found in a container placed on the back seat of their car," Tuuga said.

"According to the informer, a man with the name 'Mastang Roy' was advertising the sale of the pangolin through social media," he added.

Those in illegal possession of pangolins are liable to a minimum fine of not less than RM30,000 but not exceeding RM100,000, or jail of not less than one year but not exceeding three years, or both on conviction.