SEMPORNA: Police will take firm action against the activity of preparing and selling exotic food at resorts in the district, which is believed to involve protected wildlife such as the pangolin.
OCPD Superintendent Tan Hiap Wah, in a statement on Tuesday, issued a stern warning to resort operators or any individuals offering protected wildlife as food menu items.
“Any activity involving the hunting, possession, sale, or preparation of protected wildlife without permission is an offence. Firm action will be taken against any individual who violates the legal provisions,” he asserted.
According to him, species such as the pangolin (Manis javanica) are fully protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 (Sabah No. 6 of 1997). No license or permit is issued to any individual or premises, including tourism premises, to possess, keep, sell, or prepare these species as food.
“Cases can be investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. If convicted under Section 25(1) of the same enactment, the offender can be fined not less than RM50,000.00 and not more than RM250,000.00, as well as face imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than five years, pursuant to Section 25(3)(a),” he added.
The police will continue to conduct monitoring and operations from time to time to ensure the law is complied with, and that public safety and order are always preserved.
In light of this, the public is advised not to get involved in illegal activities and to always respect wildlife conservation efforts for the sake of environmental sustainability and the image of Semporna as a renowned tourist destination.
“Public cooperation is very important. If you have information regarding the sale or preparation of exotic food involving protected species, please channel the information to the police or relevant enforcement agencies. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential,” he said.
In another development, Tan received a courtesy call from the Head of the Semporna District Branch of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry Satunlucy Lamioh @ Lamidah, along with three of his officers.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, was aimed to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two agencies, particularly in enforcement aspects involving controlled goods, trade offences, and efforts to combat malpractice and smuggling in the district.
The session also involved bilateral discussions, information sharing, and discussions on current issues in Semporna. – James Leong
Tan (seated centre), with Satunlucy (Tan’s left), and his officers during the courtesy call on Wednesday.
