The Kelantan Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) confirmed a Malayan tiger sighting near Sungai Relai in Gua Musang on June 8, 2026, after a viral five-second video of the tiger was reported to authorities [1, 2]. Kelantan Perhilitan Director Wan Mohd Adib Wan Mohd Yusoh said, "We received the report, and it is currently under investigation and monitoring." [1] Gua Musang police chief Superintendent Sik Choon Foo urged local farmers to move in groups and avoid disturbing wildlife near the forest reserve, noting the area is a known habitat for wild animals [1].
Perhilitan investigations found the tiger likely crossed through the area and returned to its natural habitat. Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said, "No sighting of the tiger was found during inspections, and no reports of disturbance to residents have been received previously." He added Perhilitan would continue monitoring the area to ensure public safety and support conservation efforts for the Malayan tiger [2].
On June 10, a joint operation by police and Perhilitan in Kelantan arrested eight Myanmar nationals at a durian plantation in Kampung Mia, Kuala Krai, for illegal hunting and wildlife offences. Authorities seized firearms, spears, wildlife parts, and meat. Kuala Krai district police chief Supt Mazlan Mamat highlighted the success of the operation, stating it "demonstrated the effectiveness of strategic cooperation between police and Perhilitan, as well as the importance of public information in efforts to combat illegal hunting and unlawful possession of wildlife parts" [3].
Meanwhile, on June 10, the Sabah Wildlife Department and Wildlife Crime Bureau arrested a 37-year-old man in Tuaran for illegal possession of approximately 300 protected green turtle eggs valued at RM3,000 [4]. Earlier, on June 7 in Sandakan, a foreign man without ID was caught with 490 turtle eggs from protected green and hawksbill turtles. He was sentenced on June 11 to 18 months in jail and fined RM50,000 [5].
Between June 10 and 11, Sabah wildlife authorities also conducted raids in Penampang and Tawau that led to the arrest of two local men for illegal possession and trade of protected wildlife and meat, including deer, pheasants, porcupines, pangolin, and monkey [6].
Perhilitan and police continue their monitoring and enforcement activities to protect Malaysia’s endangered species and ensure public safety in affected areas [2, 3].
