Perhilitan director-general Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the suspected illegal hunters comprised 33 Malaysians, 14 Chinese nationals, 12 Cambodian, six Myanmars, six Bangladeshis, four Indonesians, four Vietnamese and three Thais.

They were investigated for various offences, including under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, National Forestry Act 1984, Arms Act and the Johor National Park Corporation Enactment 1980, he added.

“Ten cases have been brought to court and five of them were disposed of with total fines of RM150,000. Our seizures were valued at RM2.7 million,” he told a press conference here today.

Kadir said the department would continue to conduct similar operations this year to protect wildlife in the peninsula.

He warned those hunting without permits to stop their activities and face heavy fines in court.

He also urged people to call the wildlife hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or e-complaint through the website www.wildlife.gov.my.