Tiger teeth, bear fangs among RM5.32m wildlife parts seized in Kota Kinabalu raid

KOTA KINABALU, May 15 — Sabah wildlife authorities believe they have uncovered an illegal wildlife parts trading operation in the heart of the city following a raid on an antique shop along Jalan Gaya here two days ago.

In a statement today, Sabah Wildlife Department director Soffian Abu Bakar said the raid uncovered several wildlife parts from protected species, including 16 tusks believed to be from wild boars, nine teeth believed to be from tigers, 10 teeth suspected to be from bears, various edible bird’s nest products of different weights, as well as 13 stones believed to be from porcupines.

A 52-year-old local man, believed to be the owner of the premises, Antique Shop Sdn Bhd, was detained to assist investigations into possession of the illegal items.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Royal Malaysia Police through Bukit Aman’s Wildlife Crime Bureau and Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) unit following intelligence gathering and surveillance.

WCB/PSK commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar was previously reported as saying the total estimated value of the seized items was RM5.32 million.

According to him, preliminary interviews found that the suspect admitted purchasing the bird’s nests and porcupine stones from suppliers in the Lintas area without valid licences or permits.

“The protected wildlife parts are believed to have been obtained from villagers in Tawau at low prices before being resold in the local market around Kota Kinabalu.

“All the items did not have any storage licences or permits from the authorities,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Sections 41(1) and 41(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 for allegedly possessing, storing and displaying wildlife parts without valid permits.

Under the enactment, offenders can face fines ranging from RM30,000 to RM100,000, imprisonment of between six months and five years, or both.