Poacher held over mousedeer carcasses
KUANTAN: A 34-year-old poacher was arrested yesterday, for possessing two mousedeer carcasses at his home in Rompin.
The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) believed the animals were caught at the Jekatih Selancar forest reserve recently.
State Perhilitan director Ahmad Azahar Mohammed said enforcement personnel detained the suspect during the 4.40am raid.
He said two friends of the suspect fled the scene. It is learnt that the carcasses would be sold after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“We seized a handmade firearm with bullets, one Global Positioning System unit, a large knife and a torchlight.”
Ahmad said the man would be investigated under Section 60(1) (a) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 for hunting and possession of wildlife without licence.
The New Straits Times Press reported recently that the growing demand for exotic dishes to be served during Raya would result in an increase of poaching activities in Pahang.
Among the sought-after wildlife, which promises lucrative returns are sambar deer, kijang (barking deer) and kambing gurun (serow).
Based on the black market value, a kilogramme of sambar deer meat is priced between RM60 and RM80, kijang meat can fetch above RM80 while the price of serow is dependant on the deal between the buyer and seller.