Sabah authorities seized 81 imported fighting cocks and arrested a 51-year-old Indonesian man during an enforcement raid under the Integrated Khazanah Operation (Op Manok) in Kunak, according to Malay Mail. The seizure, valued at RM290,858 (US$62,000), followed intelligence suggesting the animals were being stored without valid licenses.
A special task force made up of the Kunak 22nd Battalion General Operations Force (GOF) and the Sabah Veterinary Services Department (JPV) raided an unnumbered house in Kampung Sungai Atas at 9:15 a.m., uncovering cages, metal enclosures and veterinary medicines believed to enhance the birds' performance for cockfighting.
A preliminary investigation found that the suspect had been involved in cockfighting activities since 1992 and admitted ownership of all seized animals. Officers also found medicines suspected to have been imported from Thailand and the Philippines without approval from the JPV.
Investigators said the birds were sold for between RM3,000 and RM5,000 each to individuals involved in cockfighting gambling operations on both the east and west coasts of Sabah. The illegal trade has long been tied to organized gambling, animal cruelty and smuggling networks.
The suspect and seized items have been handed over to the JPV for action under Section 15(1) of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015, which covers violations involving animal care and commercial activities without authorization.
The Kunak GOF said it will continue to increase surveillance and operational activities to disrupt smuggling networks and criminal enterprises in the region. Authorities also pledged closer collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure stricter enforcement against illegal wildlife trade, cross-border smuggling and gambling-related activities.
Authorities believe the fighting cocks were smuggled through illegal land routes into Sabah before being supplied to cockfighting gambling networks
