Police open investigation papers on dead elephants

The Sabah police has opened an investigation paper on the mysterious death of 14 Borneo pygmy elephants in the Rara Forest Reserve in Tawau.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said the case would be investigated under Section 429 of the Penal Code for mischief by killing or maiming of an animal.

The offence carries a maximum imprisonment for five years or with fine or both.

"The Forestry Department us also investigating, but our investigation will be on crime aspect," he told reporters after the opening of a halfway house in Kepayan by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop.

He said police would record statements from local residents to assist investigation.

Yesterday, State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun confirmed that 14 Borneo pygmy elephants had been found dead in the Rara Forest Reserve, about 139km from Tawau.