KOTA KINABALU: The public has been reminded that it is a crime to rear or possess wildlife without a permit, and the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) says it will not hesitate to prosecute offenders.
Newly-appointed SWD director Roland Oliver Niun said those who intend to keep such animals should obtain the necessary documents from the authorities.
Even then, he said, it only applies to certain permitted species of exotic animals and warned that those who flout the law face fines and imprisonment.
He said there were continuous efforts to increase awareness but some people remained unaware that keeping protected species without a licence is an offence.
“Actually, our awareness campaigns have increased, and so have our enforcement efforts, but many still do not know the law," he said when contacted on Friday (Sept 6)
“We have to continue spreading awareness in schools, in the community, and whenever we can (to eradicate this) ‘couldn't care less' attitude towards the importance of conserving our wildlife,” he added.
His reminder came after SWD received a tip-off about protected leopard cat cubs found at a school in Kota Belud district recently.
It is learnt that two cubs of the small wild cat, native to South, East and South-East Asia, were abandoned on the school grounds and the staff there did not know what to do about such cases.
Niun said the matter is being investigated and warned the public not to rear, hunt or eat any protected species in the state as they will face legal repercussions.
Totally protected species under Schedule 1, Section One of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 cannot be hunted or kept.
Similarly, it is an offence to possess any parts of totally protected animals such as skin, teeth and bones.
Those found guilty face fines of between RM50,000 and RM250,000 and jail terms ranging from six months to five years.
