Weapons unearthed: The rifle believed to have been used in the hunting of the tiger. Other items included 28 bullets, a black rifle bag, and a licence book to own the weapon and ammunition
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have crippled a wildlife poaching syndicate in Gua Musang, Kelantan, in an operation codenamed Op Bersepadu Khazanah.
Royal Malaysia Police secretary Datuk Noorsiah Saaduddin said in an operation on Feb 23, the police’s Wildlife Crime Bureau arrested three men between the ages of 34 and 42, and seized two parts of a Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) and three cellphones.
According to her, the seizure was estimated to be worth RM303,000.DCP Noorsiah said the investigation into the case was carried out by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) under Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).
All the suspects were charged in the Gua Musang Sessions Court on March 2.
“Two of the accused pleaded guilty, and the court sentenced them to 10 months’ jail and a fine of RM450,000, or an additional 12 months’ imprisonment in default.
“Both failed to pay the fine, and the court sentenced them to 22 months’ jail.
“The other suspect pleaded not guilty and was allowed bail at RM30,000. That case is set for mention again on April 10,” she said in a statement to Bernama yesterday.DCP Noorsiah said that following the initial arrests, police also arrested a 65-year-old male suspect on Feb 27 and that the case is still under investigation.
“The suspect is the owner of a licensed rifle that all the suspects used for the purpose of illegal hunting.
The police confiscated, among others, a rifle and 28 bullets, a black rifle bag, and a licence book to own the weapon and ammunition,” she said.
The seized items were estimated to be worth RM12,000.
The case is being investigated under Section 6 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 (Act 357) and Section 8(b) of the Arms Act 1960 (Act 206).
DCP Noorsiah said the police are committed to fighting crime related to wildlife, especially poaching, and those who trade in protected and endangered species.
