Malaysia: Two suspected poachers arrested, firearms, bullets seized

T.N.Alages New Straits Times 14 May 19;

KUANTAN: Five men, believed to be poachers, entered the Lesong Forest Reserve in Rompin yesterday afternoon with firearms to hunt.

However, their luck ran out when they were stopped in their tracks by a team of Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) rangers who were patrolling in the area about 1.30pm.

As the rangers were inspecting the Mitsubishi Pajero four-wheel-drive vehicle they were travelling in three of the suspects jumped off the vehicle and fled into the forest.

State Criminal Investigations Department chief Datuk Othman Nanyan said two men, aged 51 and 64, from here, were arrested.

The rangers found firearms, including a shotgun and 70 live bullets, he said.

The rangers also confiscated four handmade firearms from the vehicle.

“The shotgun is registered under the name of a 56-year-old man from Kuantan who is also the sibling of one of the

suspects who was arrested at the forest reserve.

“Checks revealed the shotgun has a valid permit till June this year.

“Initial investigations revealed the two suspects who were arrested were using the weapons for poaching activities.

“They have been remanded till May 18 and police are hunting for their three accomplices,” he said.

Othman said the case was being investigated under Section 8 of Firearms Act 1960 for illegal possession of firearm which carries up to seven years’ imprisonment, or a fine of not more than RM10,000, or both, upon conviction.