A 61-year-old man, believed to be a former forest ranger, has been detained following a major wildlife trafficking-related seizure involving protected animal parts valued at approximately RM589,230 in a raid conducted in Tuaran, Sabah yesterday.
The arrest was carried out at around 7.15am during a coordinated operation involving the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK) under Bukit Aman’s Internal Security and Public Order Department, in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department.
Authorities discovered a wide range of protected wildlife items during the inspection, including 55 pairs of deer antlers, three rhino horns and 330 pangolin scales. The haul also included python carcasses and skins, hornbill skulls, elephant bones and teeth, sambar deer antlers, bear skulls and several other animal remains.
Officials estimated the total value of the seized items at RM589,230, marking one of the significant wildlife-related busts in the state in recent times.
Investigators believe the suspect acquired the animal parts through purchases from villagers in interior Sabah, while also keeping a personal collection of wildlife remains accumulated over the years.
Preliminary findings suggest the man had begun collecting wildlife parts as early as 1986, during his tenure as a forest ranger. He later took voluntary retirement in 2019, reportedly due to health reasons.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) and Section 41(2) of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, which cover offences related to possession, hunting, and trade of protected wildlife species.
If convicted under Section 41(1), the suspect faces a fine ranging from RM50,000 to RM250,000 or a jail term of up to five years. Under Section 41(2), penalties include fines between RM30,000 and RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years.
The suspect, along with all seized items, was taken to the Tuaran District Police Headquarters before being handed over to Sabah Wildlife Department investigators for further action.
