Sabah probing dozens of mysterious wild boar deaths

KOTA KINABALU: Dozens of wild boars are dying under mysterious circumstances in the east coast of Sabah.

A total of 29 boar carcasses were found in Kinabatangan and five in Sugud and Paitan between Jan 28 and Feb 4, said Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga.

Some of the carcasses, he said, were a week old and decomposing.

“It is not known whether the animals died of viral infections, poisoning or natural causes,” he said.

He said the department and the state Veterinary Services and Animal Industry Department are investigating the cause of these deaths.

“Teams from both departments have been sent to get samples from the carcasses.

“So far, we are still waiting for forensic reports as to what could have caused the deaths,” he said when contacted.

Tuuga said reports about the deaths had been coming in gradually since the end of January, with the latest one coming in yesterday.

He advised the public against consuming wild boar meat for the time being.

He also reminded hunters not to hunt during this movement control order period.

“No permits to hunt wild animals are being issued during MCO,” he said.

This comes after social media went abuzz with viral messages saying some 30 to 60 wild boars were discovered lying dead in areas such as Kinabatangan, Sugut, Kanibongan, Paitan and Beluran.

Tuuga said due to the non-issuance of permits to hunt during MCO, there shouldn’t even be anyone selling fresh wildlife meat.

Under normal circumstances, he said a hunting permit is issued when terms and conditions are met.

The permit expires immediately after the hunter gets his catch.

The hunter will have to apply for a new permit if he intends to get another animal.

State Agriculture and Fisheries minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said based on information he got from the Veterinary Department, these boars were discovered dead in and around plantations.

Wild boar is a common delicacy especially among non-Muslims in Sabah.