New Straits Times 19 Dec 13;
GRIK: Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) officers rescued a sun bear, trapped in a snare near a hilly area at Km52 of the East-West Highway in Banding near here on Monday.
State Perhilitan director Fakhrul Hatta Musa said the adult bear, weighing 50kg, was spotted 250m from the road by villagers who informed the authorities.
He said Perhilitan personnel from Grik and Jeli (Kelantan), including four armed personnel, were involved in the rescue operation that started at 5pm.
"The personnel used a sedative before cutting the trap to set the bear free.
"The operation ended at 6.45pm and the bear was brought to our office in Grik for inspection."
Fakhrul said the bear was in good shape and had been sent to a wildlife protection centre in Sungkai.
"Sun bear is a protected species and action can be taken against those responsible under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010."
"They can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed up to three years, or both, if found guilty."
