CM wants thorough probe into death of pygmy elephants in Tawau

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman wants the state Wildlife Department and Forestry Department to immediately and thoroughly investigate the death of 10 elephants in Tawau recently.

He said the state government viewed this matter seriously as the Borneo Pygmy elephants were an endangered species.

"This is unacceptable. I want no stone left unturned in this matter. The culprits must be brought to justice," he told reporters here Wednesday.

On Tuesday, it was reported that Sabah Wildlife director Datuk Laurentius Ambu said the 10 elephants had been found dead in a forest reserve in Tawau.

Laurentius was also quoted saying that the elephants, seven males and three females, were from a single herd while a three-month calf was found alive next to what appeared to be its mother.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun was also quoted saying that the discovery of the dead elephants in Gunung Rara Forest Reserve was the saddest day for Sabah's conservation efforts.

"The death of these majestic and severely endangered Bornean elephants is a great loss to the state. Though it might be too early to pinpoint a conclusive cause of death, poisoning seems to be the likely cause," Masidi was quoted saying.

Expressing shock over the tragedy, Musa said the elephants were part of Sabah's rich and exotic wildlife and should therefore be protected.

"People come from all over the world just to catch a glimpse of these animals. It is unfortunate that there are people who would resort to such a horrific act," he said.

Source: The Star