Sabah DCM: Pay informer whose information led to arrests of jumbo killers

KOTA KINABALU: The informer who gave “accurate” information that led to the arrests of six suspects behind the killing of a bull pygmy elephant in Tawau should be given the RM30,000 bounty, says Datuk Christina Liew (pic).

The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister urged all parties who pledged the cash reward to honour their pledges.

Liew said she had directed Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga to pay RM10,000 to the informer for the tip-off that led police to the arrests of the suspects on Wednesday (Oct 2).

The department had offered the reward while UK-based NGO - Orangutan Appeal - and an anonymous donor had offered another RM10,000 each, raising the bounty amount to RM30,000.

“I would like to thank many other parties who pledged to top up the initial reward. My hope is that all these pledges will be fulfilled to pay the informer.

“The informer has given precise information leading to prompt arrests, ” said Liew, who is state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, in a statement Wednesday.

Liew also commended the police, especially Tawau district police chief Asst Comm Peter Umbuas, and his team and the Tawau Wildlife office for their swift action, leading to the arrests.

Last week, the cruel killing of a male adult elephant in Sg Udin, Dumpas, Kalabakan, riddled with bullet wounds, sent shockwaves across the country, with many condemning the senseless act and urging the authorities to nab the culprits.

Earlier Wednesday, ACP Umbuas told reporters that police had solved the elephant’s killing with the arrests of the six suspects and the recovery of three guns and ammunition.

They also recovered the bull elephant’s tusks that was sawed off after it was killed.

Liew said she hoped both police and the department could conclude their investigations as soon as possible.

“Those responsible should be prosecuted in court and be punished for the heinous act against a totally protected animal, ” she said.