KUDAT: POLICE will step up patrols on Pulau Banggi to combat increasing poaching activities on the island, said State Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun.
He said poachers entered the island without informing or obtaining permission from anyone, particularly the Wildlife Department or the police.
“This has raised public concern that these poachers may be carrying firearms to hunt and shoot on the island,” he said.
The islanders, he added, were concerned about the hunting activities.
“These poachers are believed to come from all over the State, with the most recent case involving two men, aged 66 and 30, who were arrested for illegal hunting.
“They failed to obtain permission from the Wildlife Department and neither did they have permission to carry their firearms out of their licensing district. One of the firearms is also under investigation for its doubtful status,” he said.
Jauteh said inspections led to the confiscation of pork meat, deer and pangolin meat.
“The case is being investigated under Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960, while the confiscated animal meat is handed over to the Wildlife Department for investigation,” he said.
He warned that stern action will be taken against anyone found hunting illegally.
“Although they may have a firearm licence, it is illegal for them to bring their firearms out of their original licensing district,” he said, adding police will take action, including terminating their firearm licence.
“This is a warning. We will not tolerate matters that cause public concern or fear.”
