By Nancy Lai onSabah
Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar
KOTA KINABALU (Apr 24): The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) has stepped up its patrols and surveillance efforts in Kalabakan following an ongoing investigation into the recent killing of wild elephants.
Authorities suspect a group of individuals may be involved in the case, but are withholding further action until more concrete evidence is secured.
According to the department’s director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, SWD is currently working closely with local communities, who have shown strong cooperation in providing leads.
“We actually already know who the suspect(s) is, but we need to wait for the right time to carry out the ambush,” he said, adding that the case involves more than just one individual.
Mohd Soffian who was met at the World Wildlife Day appreciation night held at a hotel here on Wednesday night, said this when asked for an update of the case where three elephants were found decapitated in Kalabakan.
“We can’t act prematurely and risk jeopardizing the whole operation. Right now, it’s about timing and gathering undeniable evidence,” he stressed.
To prevent further incidents, the Wildlife Department, he said, has deployed a patrol team in Kalabakan and is actively monitoring elephant movements.
“If we know there’s a herd nearby, we’ll track them to ensure they remain within safe zones,” he said, adding that plans are also underway to collar elephants with GPS tracking devices to enhance real-time monitoring.
“We hope to begin the collaring process in May, depending on our vet’s schedule and we are working with partners including the South East Asia Tropical Initiative (SITI) to expand coverage, possibly to areas near Maliau Basin.
“Collaring will help us understand their movement patterns and ensure their safety,” he said.
In conjunction with these efforts, the department recently launched a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for community-appointed wildlife rangers, known as the “Elephant Squad.”
The SOP provides clear guidelines on how to handle human-elephant conflict (HEC) cases in a structured and responsive manner.
“This new SOP is a step forward — it’s now properly documented and can be adopted by any community with an elephant response team. Previously, protocols existed, but not in such a formalized way,” Mohd Soffian said.
Under the SOP, rangers must verify reports, assess the health and presence of elephants, and determine the appropriate tools and methods to safely drive them away from human settlements.
With increased patrolling, community involvement and improved tracking systems, the department is optimistic about preventing further conflicts while ensuring the protection of Sabah’s endangered elephant population.
In his speech earlier, Mohd Soffian said that the global theme of the World Wildlife Appreciation Day this year is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”
“This theme resonates deeply with our mission here in Sabah where nature and culture are not only our pride, but also the backbone of our identity, our tourism, and our economy.
“Our objective this evening is not only to celebrate, but to recognise and appreciate the unsung heroes, individuals and organisations who have worked relentlessly in the field of wildlife conservation. From researchers in the jungle, to rangers on patrol, to community members supporting the department in the field, your commitment is what keeps our vision alive,” he said.
“We are truly honoured to have with us a diverse and inspiring group of attendees — from NGOs and the corporate sector, especially in tourism and oil palm industries, to local communities, Honorary Wildlife Wardens, members of the media, educators, and of course, our young Wildlife Junior Rangers, who serve as ambassadors in their schools and communities. Each of you plays a vital role in shaping a better future for our wildlife and environment,” he said.
Mohd Soffian reminded those attending the dinner that conservation is not the sole responsibility of the Sabah Wildlife Department, nor of the state government alone.
“It is a shared duty that belongs to all of us, regardless of our background or profession. Whether you are a policymaker, a business owner, a teacher, a student, or a member of a rural community, your actions matter. We must move forward together, hand in hand, to ensure that Sabah’s rich biodiversity continues to thrive for generations to come,” he stressed.
“As we move forward, I urge everyone to continue referring to action plans produced by the Sabah Wildlife Department, which outlines our collective strategies, especially in tackling wildlife crime and protecting endangered species.
“Those plans are more than just a document, it is our roadmap towards achieving meaningful and lasting impact. In line with this year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”, let us align our efforts and strengthen our cooperation to channel our resources, expertise and energy into initiatives that protect vulnerable species, combat illegal wildlife trade, and empower the communities who stand as our frontliners,” he said.
The Appreciation Night was organised by SWD with the support of conservation partners including WWF Malaysia, Earthworm Foundation, Danau Girang Field Centre, Orangutan Appeal UK, HUTAN, Seratu Aatai, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and LEAP to celebrate World Wildlife Day 2025 and to honour individuals and organisations dedicated to protecting Sabah’s precious and iconic wildlife.
