They were found hidden in some bushes by villagers near where the animal was found killed.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew and Beluran police confirmed this today as the probe into the animal’s death continues.

“The latest information I got around midnight was that the authorities have recovered the tusks.

“We are still trying to find out who are the culprits. I cannot reveal much because the matter is still under investigation.

“We will reveal more once we have a new development on the case,” said Liew after launching the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Awareness Seminar in Kota Kinabalu today.

Sabah police commissioner Omar Mammah also confirmed the tusks were found in some bushes at the Bimbingan 2 IOI plantation.

Police have dismissed shooting as the cause of death as there were no bullets in the body of the elephant despite evidence of gunshot wounds.

The killing of the elephant in Beluran is the second case recorded in Sabah over the span of one month.

The first case had involved a male pygmy elephant found with 70 bullet wounds last Sept 25.

On the EIA seminar, Liew proposed the creation of an environmental consultant job for any development project team.

“I know companies will form a team of consultants to plan for their development. The work will involve architects and electrical and civil engineers, but never an environmental consultant.

“I think it is time to look into the need of having an environmental consultant as part of planning for a project.”

She noted the creation of such posts will allow firms to adhere to environmental protection laws that exist in Sabah.