Case of beheaded elephants still unsolved
KOTA KINABALU: The case of the decapitation of three elephants in Tawau remains unsolved, with no suspects identified.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said authorities have yet to identify those responsible, despite suspicions of local involvement.
"While authorities have suspicions about possible local involvement, there has been no solid evidence that would stand in court," she told reporters after the Asean Travel Exchange (ATEX) launch at a hotel here.
She added that enforcement teams continue to engage villagers and policemen in the area, but no new incidents have been reported since the third killing in April.
The government has offered a RM10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. "We suspect that the villagers know, but they are very hesitant to come out and tell," she said.
Liew also dismissed suggestions that an organised syndicate was behind the killings, but said the reward amount could be renegotiated if needed.
Bornean pygmy elephants, listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are only found in Borneo. Fewer than 1,500 remain in Sabah.
Despite tougher wildlife laws, enforcement remains difficult in remote regions.
Separately, Liew expressed hope that Sabah could continue to host regional tourism events. ATEX, held this week, brought together over 500 delegates from 10 Asean countries.
Sabah recorded over 1 million tourist arrivals from Jan to April, an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. Liew said the state is on track to reach its 2025 target of 3.5 million visitors.
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