32 WILD BOARS FOUND DEAD WITHIN ONE WEEK, PUBLIC ADVISED NOT TO CONSUME BUSHMEAT

One of the wild boars found dead in the forest.

4 Feb 2021

By Ruby Koh

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 29 wild boars were found dead in Kinabatangan while five more were found in Sugud and Paitan districts from Jan 28 to Feb.

The Wildlife Department in a statement today said efforts to identify the cause of death have been launched following the discovery of carcasses in the forest of the districts.

Previously, a Facebook posting stating the discovery of wild boar deaths in large numbers had been widely circulated on social media.

"With the help of the Department of Veterinary Services, the government is still in the process of investigating to identify the cause of death.

"Monitoring is still being carried out by the department to see if there are any new deaths," it stated.

Authorities from the department examining a wild boar carcass.

The department advised the public to avoid buying meat of not just wild boars but other wildlife animals until the cause of death can be fully identified.

It said, no hunting license of any sorts have been issued throughout the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.

The public is also told not to engage in poaching as not only it is illegal, but it could be dangerous to consume in case the wildlife animals contracted any infections.

The department also warned the public not to approach any carcasses and contact the department at 012-8019289 instead.