The tragic death of 14 endangered Borneo pygmy elephants in a Sabah forest reserve has sent shockwaves across the globe, and must be investigated thoroughly, said non-governmental organisation (NGO) Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP).
In a statement today, LEAP Executive Director Cynthia Ong said the authorities must get to the bottom of the matter, and welcomed a call by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman demanding a probe and pledging to bring the culprits to justice.
"Our global partners are equally shocked and upset. They want to know the outcome of the investigation. While media reports indicate the elephants may have died of poisoning, we will only know what really happened after the post mortem results are out and investigations completed.
"In the meantime, I hope we can keep calm, withhold speculation, and support each other while deeper investigations are being carried out, and trust that information will be openly shared with both local and global communities as soon as there is clarity over the tragic deaths," Ong said.
LEAP also fully supports the elevation of pygmy elephants to Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment that will provide the mammals with Totally Protected status.
"Stiffer penalties, coupled with enhanced enforcement and prosecution of offenders, should act as more effective deterrents against this sort of tragic events," Ong said.
Ong further welcomed a statement by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun that the State Government will review its conservation efforts and strengthen its Elephant Action Plan to ensure that similar tragedies are prevented.
"We concur with the Minister (Masidi) that there is a need to overcome weaknesses and tackle shortcomings. This tragedy could also serve as an impetus to strengthen joint work and partnerships between government, industry and NGOs.
"LEAP has been invited to a meeting on the setting up of the State Wildlife Enforcement Task Force next Monday, and will contribute our thoughts through this platform," Ong said.
She stressed that the state government must also work towards securing privately owned land for conservation of wildlife habitats and include more of such areas into the permanent forest estate.
Ong reiterated a recent joint statement LEAP issued with WWF-Malaysia and HUTAN on the planned clearing of a 400-hectare privately-owned forested land for oil palm next to the Kulamba Wildlife Reserve in Lahad Datu, a critical area for Orang Utan and other endangered wildlife.
"Although the recent deaths did not occur close to Kulamba Wildlife Reserve, our decision to collectively raise the alarm about the planned clearing was done to ensure that our already endangered wildlife will not face further threats due to land conversion," she said.
Professor Dan Kammen of University of Berkeley, California noted with sadness the deaths of the elephants.
"Even in Sabah, a leader in integrating conservation, stewardship and sustainable development, the lesson is that constant vigilance is vital to protect and defend our common future," Kammen, a LEAP board member, said.
Bernama
Fri Feb 01 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.