JERANTUT: Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador has declared “total war” on wildlife poachers and restaurants serving exotic meats as part of an ongoing effort to protect the nation’s flora and fauna – particularly endangered species.
He said this is underscored by the recent launch of Op Khazanah, under which all parties involved in the illegal capture and supply of wildlife would be arrested and prosecuted.
Abdul Hamid warned that all offenders, including restaurant owners who serve exotic animal dishes, would not escape the law.
"We will not only go for the hunters, but also individuals involved in the exotic animal trade activities, including those who serve them in restaurants. We will investigate where they get their source (of exotic animals) from.
"This shows that we are committed to addressing the issue of national forest plunder and robbery.
“Those involved should stop immediately, or be prepared to have action taken against them," he told reporters on Thursday.
Abdul Hamid said those found guilty of poaching could also be punished under the Firearms Act of the Penal Code; apart from facing action by the Forestry Department and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).
Earlier, Abdul Hamid launched the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara ceremony at the Jerantut Advanced Technology Training Centre (Adtec) here, today.
Also present were Bukit Aman management director Datuk Abd Rahim Jaafar and Pahang deputy police chief Datuk Yusri Hassan Basri.