TATAU: Twenty-three locals were arrested for taking part in a cockfighting session at an oil palm plantation along Jalan Tatau-Selitut here yesterday (Dec 10).
Acting on a tip-off, a team from the Tatau Criminal Investigation Division (CID) went to the scene at 3.50 pm and found an open area turned into a cockfighting arena.
Tatau police chief DSP Jame Reis said police discreetly observed the group’s activities for 20 minutes before making their move.
“All of the suspects were taken by surprise by the presence of the police. They attempted to flee into the forest but their attempts were foiled.
“The suspects aged between 30 and 72 were quickly surrounded and rounded up,” he said.
Also seized were 11 roosters, two spurs, a gambling board, two canvases, a black marker pen, a weighing scale, six chairs and cash amounting to RM516.
The case is being investigated under Section 73(1)(g) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 and Section 3 (1) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1962.
Jame cautioned the public against betting on cockfighting activities.
