They seized several parts belonging to a Malayan tiger and three mobile phones, all worth about RM303,000.

Bernama quoted Bukit Aman police secretary Noorsiah Saaduddin as saying that three Malaysians were arrested on Feb 23 during the operation code-named “Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah”.

She said all the suspects were charged in the Gua Musang sessions court on March 2 under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).

“Two of the men pleaded guilty and the court sentenced them to 10 months’ jail and fined them RM450,000, or an additional 12 months imprisonment in default.

“Both failed to pay the fine and they will serve 22 months in jail.

“The other suspect pleaded not guilty and was allowed bail of RM30,000. The case will be mentioned again on April 10,” she said today.

Noorsiah said police also arrested a 65-year-old male suspect on Feb 27.

“The suspect is the owner of a licensed shotgun that all the suspects had used for the purpose of illegal hunting. We’ve confiscated a shotgun and 28 rounds of ammunition,” she said.

Noorsiah said police were committed to wiping out poaching and those trading in protected and endangered species.