KUALA LUMPUR: A 22-year-old man was arrested in Johor Baru after authorities discovered a live sun bear cub inside his car.
Bukit Aman Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) commander Senior Asst Comm Rosli Yusof said the suspect failed to produce any licence or written permission to possess the protected species.
The raid, conducted jointly by the FRU and Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), took place at the edge of a forest near Bandar Seri Alam at about 12.35pm on Wednesday (Sept 3).
"Checks on the vehicle driven by the suspect uncovered a live sun bear. The animal, along with a car, storage equipment, and a mobile phone worth an estimated RM70,000, were seized," he said in a statement.
The suspect, from Iskandar Puteri, was released on police bail after his statement was recorded, he added.
"The case is being investigated under Section 60(1)(a) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).
"Further investigations will be conducted by Johor Perhilitan," he said.
SAC Rosli stressed that the joint operation reflects the police’s commitment, particularly the FRU, to combating illegal activities involving wildlife.
"The continuous effort to rescue wildlife from becoming victims of the illegal trade is crucial to protect endangered species,” he said.
