KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is urging a coordinated effort by all enforcement agencies to combat poaching following the brutal killing of a second Borneo pygmy elephant in Tawau district.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew highlighted the urgent need for increased vigilance and cooperation among enforcement agencies, local communities, and the public.
The Sabah Wildlife Department is investigating the incident to find leads and apprehend those responsible for the killing, where a decapitated elephant carcass was discovered in Tawau on Friday (April 4).
The carcass was found in the same area where another elephant was similarly killed along the Kalabakan-Sapulut road in January this year.
Liew expressed her sadness over the latest killing and reiterated the state's zero tolerance for cruelty and poaching against Sabah’s protected wildlife.
"We will leave no stone unturned in our effort to ensure the perpetrators are identified, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and held accountable," she said, expressing deep concern over the incident.
She noted that this was the second such incident in a short time, reflecting a potential pattern of illegal poaching activities in the state.
The state Wildlife Department has launched an immediate investigation and stepped up enforcement measures, including joint operations and roadblocks with other security agencies at key locations to deter further illegal activities.
"We call on all parties to share any information that may assist in the investigation. Everyone remains committed to safeguarding Sabah’s unique biodiversity," she urged.
Liew also noted an increase in elephant deaths since the last quarter of 2024 but did not provide specific figures.
"We call for stronger collaboration and coordinated actions among all relevant enforcement, conservation, and security agencies at both state and federal levels to address this threat decisively and prevent further loss of our endangered species," Liew added.
The Borneo pygmy elephant is fully protected under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Harming them is an offence, with offenders facing imprisonment and severe fines if found guilty.
"With an estimated population of only 1,500 to 2,000 elephants remaining in the wild, each loss is a serious setback to ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this endangered species," she warned.
