Malaysia: Dept seeks duo who took dead tiger’s fangs

The Star 18 Feb 16;

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Tereng­ganu Wildlife Department is on the lookout for two people who removed the fangs of a tigress killed in an accident on the East Coast Expressway 2 on Feb 6.

Its director Mohd Hasdi Husin appealed to the public to provide any information on the duo, believed to be aged between 20 and 30, and one of whom is a foreigner.

“We view this matter seriously as it is a crime under the Wildlife Conservation Act,” he said.

He said the department had obtained statements from seven people, including the driver of the vehicle that knocked down the tigress and highway personnel on duty that day.

Mohd Hasdi said the department did not discount the possibility that the two suspects were linked to the theft after a picture of them with the tigress went viral a few days ago.

“We have a sketch of their faces and are now trying to track them down. The image is being analysed for identification,” he said.

It is understood that two left fangs of the tigress were stolen on the day of the accident.

Mohd Hasdi urged people with information, photographs or video recordings of the incident to approach the department or call 09-622 1460. — Bernama


Reward offered for information on duo who removed tiger's canine teeth
New Straits Times 17 Feb 16;

KUALA TERENGGANU: A reward is being offered for the arrest of two men who extracted the canine teeth of the tiger killed on the East Coast Expressway on Feb 6. Those with information that can lead to the arrest of the duo will be rewarded, said the State National Parks and Wildlife Department director Mohd Hasdi Hussin.

Mohd Hasdi said pictures of the duo had been circulated in social media over the past two days. "No parts of an animal listed as an endangered and protected species should be kept by any individuals.

It is an offence under Section 68(1)(C) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010," he said when contacted.

The department has so far questioned seven individuals, including two officers from the department to assist investigations.

On Feb 6, a tiger which was pregnant with two cubs, was hit by an MPV at KM321.2 of the East Coast highway.

Four family members in a Hyundai Starex heading towards Kuala Terengganu from Kuala Lumpur escaped unhurt.

The tiger was killed on the spot while crossing the road in the early morning incident.