KOTA KINABALU: Five hunters were arrested for “over-hunting” by wildlife rangers during an operation in Sabah’s northeastern Paitan district.

       Rangers also recovered two carcasses of protected animals, believed to be deer, from their vehicle, said Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga on Sunday (March 6).

       He said the suspects, aged between 50 and 57, were arrested at a roadblock during an integrated operation involving the department, its Protect Team and the Sabah Forestry Department.

       Among the other items seized were hunting equipment found in the vehicle, he said, adding that suspects were in violation of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.

       The case is being investigated under Section 25(2)(b) for hunting in excess of the quota specified in the hunting license.

       If found guilty, the accused person can receive a fine of RM50,000 to RM100,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months or not more than five years or both,” Tuuga said.

       Tuuga did not disclose if investigators suspected that the protected animals were hunted from forest reserves or other areas.

       It is illegal for protected animals to be hunted within forest reserves.

       He advised licensed hunters to abide by the conditions stated in the license such as the validity period of the hunt, the hunting area and the number of animals to be hunted.

       He also warned the public not to carry out hunting activities without a valid hunting license issued by the Sabah Wildlife Department.

       Tuuga said that cooperation efforts between the Protect team and the Wildlife Department would continue to combat illegal hunting and wildlife exploitation, especially in forest reserves.

       “We want to ensure that such efforts will protect wildlife in Sabah from illegal hunting activities,” he added.