Patrol team deployed to Kalabakan to prevent elephant killings

New Straits Times

23-04-2025

KOTA KINABALU: Authorities in Sabah have deployed an active patrol team to prevent the merciless killing of elephants.
State Wildlife director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said they are working closely with the Sabah Forestry Department to monitor elephant activity, especially in the Kalabakan area of Tawau.
He said the General Operations Force is also prepared to assist once the Sabah Wildlife Department to obtain concrete information to combat wildlife crimes.
This year alone, three Borneo pygmy elephants — the world's smallest elephant species — were found decapitated in the area. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/1199435/updated-third-beheade...)
The Sabah government had also offered RM10,000 for those who have information that could lead to prosecutions for the crimes.
"We have held a meeting with the Wildlife Crime Intelligence Committee (WCIC) and the policce Wildlife Crime Bureau (WCB).
"Together with WCB and the Sabah Forestry Department, we currently have a patrol team in place.
"When elephants are spotted in the area, the patrol team will report their locations," Soffian said during the World Wildlife Day Appreciation Night held at a hotel here.
Also present was Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai, representing Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
Soffian added that his department plans to place a tracking collar on one of the elephants next month to better monitor their movements.
He added that the department was working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to gather intelligence from neighbouring countries to help tackle wildlife crime.
When asked for updates on the killing of the three elephants, Soffian said the department has informants and is currently gathering concrete evidence.
"From our investigation, we believe this wasn't carried out by a single individual; it was a group. When it's a group, we can't act too hastily, or we risk losing the entire network.
"That's why, even though we have suspects, we need to wait for the right time to carry out an ambush."
Commenting on the recently launched Human-Elephant Conflict-Earthworm Standard Operating Procedures, Soffian said it was intended for the community, especially rangers who handle elephant-related conflicts.
He said the team, upon receiving and verifying information on elephant sightings, would notify the authorities and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
The SOP also aims to improve documentation and address issues related to human-elephant coexistence.
The estimated Bornean elephant population in Sabah stands at around 1,500 animals.
These elephants are a fully protected species under Schedule 1 of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.