The Sabah government has vowed to bring those responsible for the decapitation of an elephant in Tawau to justice, following the discovery of the mutilated carcass.
Datuk Seri Christina Liew, the state minister for Tourism, Culture, and Environment, reiterated the government's commitment to tracking down the poachers and ensuring they face the full force of the law.
Photo via Free Malaysia Today
"We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those accountable are brought to justice," Liew declared. She condemned the act, calling it an appalling display of cruelty and stressing that such poaching incidents would not be tolerated. This marks the second such case within a short span, indicating a disturbing rise in illegal poaching activities in the region.
Liew also highlighted the need for heightened awareness and collaboration between enforcement agencies, local communities, and the public, "We encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation. Together, we must remain steadfast in safeguarding Sabah’s rich biodiversity," she added.
The minister noted an alarming uptick in poaching incidents, especially since the final quarter of 2024. In January, a similar case was reported in Tawau, with another decapitated elephant found.
"With an estimated population of only 1,500 to 2,000 elephants remaining in the wild, every loss is a severe blow to our conservation efforts," Liew emphasised.
She called for stronger cooperation and a coordinated approach from both state and federal authorities, as well as conservation and security bodies, to combat the growing threat and prevent further losses of endangered species.
