Malaysia: Two men arrested with bear paws, teeth and gall bladders in their possession

MALAYSIA -- Sabah Wildlife Department rangers yesterday arrested two men and made a gruesome find on them - mutilated parts of two Malayan Sun Bears meant to be sold off for the right price.

Among the items seized from the two men were eight bear paws, two gall bladders and eight teeth, all supposedly from two bears.

Sabah Wildlife director William Baya said the arrests and seizures were made following a tip-off from the public about two men who were on their way to Tanjung Aru to sell the parts.

“Our enforcement unit arrested the two suspects as they were getting out from their vehicle. Their pickup truck and mobile phones were also confiscated in the raid. They are now being remanded at the Penampang police station awaiting further questioning by our investigating officer," William said.

He said the Malayan Sun Bear is a totally protected species under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.

If convicted under Section 41(1) of the Enactment, the penalty is a jail term of up to five years or a fine of up to RM 50,000 or both.

More info about the Sun Bear can be found here: "Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre"

(New Straits Times Online - Aug 9, 2016)