MAN HELD FOR HAVING TIGER SKIN, CLAWS
52-year-old public servant allegedly took them from tiger carcass
AGOVERNMENT servant was detained by police on Saturday night for possessing illegal animal products.
The 52-year-old, who was arrested under Op Khazanah, was picked up at his home in Kampung Bunut Perol near Nilam Puri at midnight.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Hasanuddin Hassan said police from the district’s Criminal Investigation Department raided the house based on a tip-off.
“During the raid, police discovered three pieces of tiger skins and two pieces of tiger claws. One piece of skin was taken from a tiger’s head.
“We cannot provide further details on the case as it is still under investigation. We are looking into, among others, the motive and source of the items seized.
“However, police believe the items were taken from a tiger carcass and it is possible it was for his personal use,” he said here yesterday.
Hasanuddin said two more men were detained last month in two separate raids.
“The state police have detained two locals in Tumpat and Pasir Mas in separate raids on Oct 26 for possessing illicit wildlife items, including elephant tusks.” He said police would continue to track down those involved in the illegal activity. He said those arrested were held for further investigation and the case was being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
On Friday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador declared “total war” on wildlife poachers and restaurants serving exotic meat as part of an ongoing effort to protect the nation’s flora and fauna, particularly endangered species.
He said this was underscored by the recent launch of Op Khazanah, where all parties involved in the illegal capture and supply of wildlife would be arrested and prosecuted.
Police are not only going for the hunters, but also people involved in exotic animal trade, including those who serve exotic meat in restaurants.
Offenders would be arrested and prosecuted under the Firearms Act of the Penal Code, apart from facing action by the Forestry Department and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan). Poachers face a maximum RM500,000 fine and five years’ jail.
Op Bersepadu Khazanah was launched to assist Perhilitan in combating wildlife crime in the jungle, air, and sea.
We are looking into, among others, the motive and source of the items seized.
DATUK HASANUDDIN HASSAN
Kelantan police chief