KOTA KINABALU: Workers of several logging companies are being investigated in connection with the mysterious deaths of 14 pygmy elephants at the Gunung Rara Forest reserve in Tawau last month.
Sabah police commissioner
Datuk Hamza Taib said they had identified some of the logging companies in the forest reserve, which is being developed as a forest management unit.
He said the investigations were being carried out under Section 429 of the Penal Code for mischief towards animals. The penalty for the offence is maximum of five years' jail.
Investigations indicated that the elephants were "murdered" as autopsies found that their intestinal tracts were ruptured, apart from other internal injuries, he added.
However, he could not confirm if the deaths were caused by poisoning as the chemist's report was still not ready.
Ten pygmy elephants were found dead at the forest reserve on Jan 29. Three other elephant carcasses were found the next day and another on Jan 31.
A three-week old calf is the sole survivor and is recuperating at the Lok Kawi zoo.
