A routine vehicle inspection at Felda Lawin Utara, Gerik, led to the arrest of two men allegedly involved in illegal deer hunting last Friday, authorities confirmed.
The arrests were carried out by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) in collaboration with the General Operations Force (GOF) 3rd Battalion as part of Op Bersepadu Khazanah Zon Utara.
Perhilitan director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the operation, conducted at 1.05pm, resulted in the discovery of a wild deer carcass, two homemade firearms, and three live rounds.
Authorities also seized the suspects’ four-wheel drive vehicle and two mobile phones, with the total value of confiscated items estimated at RM50,000.
The suspects, aged between 40 and 60, are believed to be from Kulim and Serdang in Kedah. Initial investigations suggest they hunted in a nearby forest reserve, with the venison partly for personal consumption and partly for sale. Perhilitan noted that the black-market price for deer meat can reach up to RM200 per kilogram.
Both individuals were taken to the Gerik district police headquarters for investigation under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the Firearms Act 1960 (Act 206).
Kadir reminded the public that Perhilitan will take strict action against illegal hunting, trespassing, and other wildlife-related offences. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity via the Perhilitan hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or through e-aduan at www.wildlife.gov.my.
