KOTA KINABALU — A resort in Semporna is facing serious legal consequences after offering pangolin soup and meat to tourists as an “exquisite” culinary experience.
During an integrated operation named Ops Khazanah on Feb 23, officials from the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), together with the police, raided the resort following intelligence that the operators were storing and serving this protected species.
“During the raid, a live pangolin as well as several pots containing cooked pangolin in herbal soup were found,” said SWD director Soffian Abu Bakar in a statement on Feb 24. Three individuals were also arrested to facilitate investigations under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
Pangolins are classified as totally protected in Sabah, and no one is permitted to possess, keep, sell, or serve them as food. Those convicted under the law face fines ranging from RM50,000 to RM250,000 and jail sentences of one to five years.
“We are taking this matter very seriously, as well as any incidents of preparing protected species as exotic meals for tourists, and will take strict action against offenders,” Soffian added.
He warned that such actions are not only illegal but also undermine environmental protection efforts and tarnish Sabah’s reputation as a sustainable nature tourism destination. “We are stepping up patrols and enforcement to protect our wildlife in Sabah,” he concluded.