KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department detained two men for illegally keeping a sun bear cub and possessing the fangs of the fully protected animal in two separate enforcement operations on Thursday (Feb 12).
Its director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the arrests were made during raids in Kota Marudu and Lahad Datu following a public complaint over a viral video showing a sun bear at a public attraction on Wednesday.
He said officers found a sun bear cub being kept at a premises for public viewing, and a man believed to be the owner or manager of the premises was detained to assist investigations under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 (EPHL 1997).
"In a separate operation, another man was detained at an eatery in Lahad Datu for allegedly possessing three sun bear fangs used as decorations and the items were seized," he said in a statement.
Mohd Soffian said the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is listed as a Totally Protected species under Schedule 1 of the enactment, and no licences or permits are issued to the public to hunt, possess, keep or display the animal.
He added that those convicted may face a fine ranging from RM50,000 to RM250,000 and imprisonment of between one and five years. - Bernama
