KOTA KINABALU: A major crackdown on illegal cockfighting and gambling activities across eight districts in Sabah saw 16 people arrested and items worth more than RM9.6mil seized.
The multi-agency operation, dubbed Ops Kandang Bersepadu, was led by the police’s General Operations Force and jointly conducted with the Health Ministry, Veterinary Services Department, the local authorities and Sabah Wildlife Department.
A total of 14 raids were conducted simultaneous in Penampang, Tawau, Keningau, Semporna, Sandakan, Beluran, Lahad Datu and Kota Marudu from 8am to 6pm on Wednesday.
Sabah GOF Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Datuk Nor Omar Sappi said the operation was targetting cockfighting, illegal gambling and other unlawful activities.
He said 16 men aged between 31 and 70, including three foreigners were arrested.
“None of them has criminal record,” he said in a statement yesterday, adding that the seizures including the prized roosters worth an estimated RM8.935mil.
“We also seized a dead civet cat valued at RM4,000, porcupine quills worth RM11,540 and pangolin scales worth RM500.”
SAC Nor Omar said the cases are being investigated under Section 15(1) of the Sabah Animals Enactment 2015, Section 21(1)(i) of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015 and Section 41(1) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 1997.
