Killing elephants is 'murder', says Sabah minister over spate of deaths in Tawau
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew has issued an emotional plea to villagers to come forward with any information related to the recent spate of Borneo pygmy elephant killings in Tawau.
Describing the brutal act as "murder," Liew said the perpetrators must be brought to justice, stressing that such cruelty must not go unpunished.
'I have spoken to the director of the Wildlife Department. Despite our efforts, we have not been able to identify the persons responsible for this cruel act, although there are some suspicions,' she told reporters at the Asean Travel Exchange (ATEX) 2025 launch here on Thursday (June 19).
She noted that no one has yet come forward, and there have been no takers for the RM10,000 reward offered for information on the killings.
'We offered a RM10,000 reward for any information, but so far, no one has come forward. I have clearly instructed the department that this kind of act cannot go unpunished. Killing an elephant is murder. We absolutely cannot allow this to happen again,' Liew stressed.
However, she believes the local community may hold the key to solving the case but suspects many are afraid to speak up.
'We are working with village heads and the district police in the area to try and obtain more information. I suspect the kampung (village) people know more, but they are very hesitant to say anything. Still, I am hopeful,' she said.
When asked whether an organised syndicate could be behind the killings, Liew dismissed the theory.
'I don't believe it is a syndicate. They did not take anything valuable, not the tusks, not the organs. They just cruelly chopped off the elephant's head. Very cruel,' she said.
Asked whether the government would consider increasing the RM10,000 reward to encourage potential witnesses to come forward, she replied: 'Let's negotiate on that.'
'There have been no new incidents like this recently, and I truly hope it stays that way. I get very upset when these things happen … I am an animal lover myself, and I cannot bear to see this kind of cruelty.'
At least three cases of beheaded elephants were reported between January and April this year.
Investigations so far have yielded no solid evidence, and a post-mortem was not possible in the latest case due to the advanced decomposition of the carcass.
The Borneo pygmy elephant, native to Sabah, is a fully protected species under state law, with an estimated population of just 1,500.
Anyone convicted of harming or killing the animal faces a fine of up to RM250,000 and a five-year jail sentence.
Liew urged the public not to turn a blind eye to the situation and come forward if they had any information on the matter.
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