One live pangolin (Manis javanica) was seized from a tourism resort in Semporna following an integrated operation carried out by enforcement agencies.
The operation, codenamed Integrated Khazanah, was conducted on Feb 23, 2026 and involved the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and police from the Intelligence Branch / Task Force of the 22nd Battalion General Operations Force (PGA) Sandakan, following intelligence on the storage and preparation of wildlife for exotic meals for tourists.
SWD director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said during the inspection, enforcement officers discovered and seized one live pangolin, a fully protected wildlife species, along with several dishes believed to involve protected wildlife.
“Several individuals were also detained to assist investigations under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997,” he said.
The pangolin is listed as a fully protected species under Schedule I of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
No licence or permit is issued to any individual or premises, tourism premises, to possess, keep, sell or serve this species as food.
Upon conviction, offenders may be fined not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM250,000, and imprisoned for not less than one year and not more than five years.
“The Sabah Wildlife Department views seriously any activity involving the preparation of protected wildlife as exotic food for tourists, as such practices not only violate the law but may also undermine Sabah’s reputation as a responsible nature tourism destination.
“The department issues a stern warning that enforcement action will continue to be intensified against any tourism premises involved in wildlife crime-related activities,” he said.
