Trio arrested for cockfighting and defying MCO in S'wak

SIBU: Three men aged between 47 and 49 have been arrested for indulging in cockfighting and defying the movement control order (MCO) in Balingian.

Mukah OCPD Supt Jimmy Panyau said the trio were arrested at about 3.50pm on Sunday (April 12) in Sungai Arif, Balingian.

He said that the police also seized one live rooster, two dead roosters, six plastic chairs, six cockfighting spurs and RM185 from them.

Supt Panyau added that the case is being investigated under Regulation 3 (1) of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures Within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020 and Section 3 (1) Cruelty to Animal Act 1962.

He also issued another stern warning to the public to refrain from being involved in cock-fighting.

"This is the second arrest for cockfighting here. I want to remind the people to just stay at home during this MCO period and don't be involved in any activity such as cock-fighting," he said.

Supt Panyau also warned that the police would take stern action against residents in Mukah, Balingian and Selangau if they are caught while being involved in the activity.

The first arrests were made on April 7 when a police team arrested five men in a raid at premises on Jalan Ulu Bayan here.