Latest news with #SabahWildlifeConservationEnactment1997
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Daily Express
Green Turtle parts: Three Filipinos jailed and fined
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 Text Size: KOTA MARUDU: Three Filipinos were jailed one year and fined RM220,000 each after being found guilty of possessing approximately 865kg of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) parts stored in 39 sacks and 14 boxes. They were arrested by Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officers on Sept 27, 2023, in Sabah waters near Simpang Mengayau, Kudat. The case was handed over to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further investigation and prosecution. They were charged under Section 41(1) of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional eight months of imprisonment. 'This success reflects the strong inter-agency cooperation and our continued commitment to protect endangered marine species, especially the green turtle,' said Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, who commended the swift action of the Kudat MMEA enforcement team. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
26-05-2025
- Daily Express
3 Filipinos jailed, fined RM220,000 each for possessing Green Turtle parts
Published on: Monday, May 26, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 26, 2025 Text Size: KOTA MARUDU: Three Filipino nationals were sentenced today by the Kota Marudu court to one year in prison and fined RM220,000 each after being found guilty of possessing approximately 865 kilograms of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) parts stored in 39 sacks and 14 boxes. They were arrested by Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officers on September 27, 2023, in Sabah waters near Simpang Mengayau, Kudat. The case was handed over to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further investigation and prosecution. They were charged under Section 41(1) of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional eight months of imprisonment. 'This success reflects the strong inter-agency cooperation and our continued commitment to protect endangered marine species, especially the green turtle,' said Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd. Soffian Abu Bakar, who commended the swift action of the Kudat MMEA enforcement team. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Patrol team deployed to Kalabakan to prevent elephant killings
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. ( 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.
