Malaysian Authorities Bust Major Cockfighting Ring in Multi-Agency Operation
Coordinated Raids in Tawau
Law enforcement agencies conducted simultaneous raids at two private residences in Tawau, Sabah, targeting illegal cockfighting operations. The operation, executed on Thursday, involved:
- Bukit Aman’s Wildlife Crime Bureau – Special Intelligence and Investigation Unit
- Tawau Police Department
- Veterinary Service Department in Tawau
- 14th Battalion of the General Operations Force
Arrests and Seizures
Raid 1 (Kampung Membalua Off Jalan Apas):
- Arrested: 57-year-old local resident
- Seized: 152 live fighting cocks (suspected Filipino breed)
Raid 2 (Kampung Apas Parit, Jalan Apas Parit):
- Arrested: Two Filipino and two Indonesian men (aged 31-52)
- Seized: 470 fighting cocks, 40 gaffs (sharp blades attached to birds’ feet), hundreds of vitamin bottles/boxes, 500 cockfighting coops and cages
Total Seized Assets:
- Over 600 live fighting cocks
- Specialized equipment and paraphernalia
- Estimated value: RM3.3 million (approximately $780,000)
Legal Investigation
Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim, Department Director of Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order, confirmed the operation targeted cockfighting gambling activities in Sabah. Authorities are investigating potential violations under:
- Immigration Act of 1959/1963 (Sections 55B, 39B, and 6(1)(c))
- Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 (Section 6)
- Animal Enactment of 2015 (Section 15(1))
Animal Welfare Context
Cockfighting remains prohibited globally due to its inherent cruelty, involving animals forced to fight to the death. Despite being occasionally referred to as a “sport,” the practice results in severe animal suffering and is widely condemned by animal welfare organizations.
This operation demonstrates Malaysian authorities’ commitment to combating illegal gambling activities and animal cruelty through coordinated interagency efforts targeting both local and foreign operators.
