More comprehensive tests and analyses to be carried out over elephants death

Death of 14 Pygmy elephants is still under investigation

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun said his ministry will be seeking a second opinion from two internationally accredited forensic testing facilities – the Ramathibodi Poison Centre at Mahidol University of Thailand and to the Chemistry Lab of the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia for comprehensive tests and analyses over the elephants death.

Sabah Forestry Director Datuk Sam Manan said apparently Yayasan Sabah has been blamed for the deaths of 14 pygmy elephants in Gunong Rara Forest Reserve because their oil palm plantations were being destroyed and being nearest to the scene even though the investigation has not been concluded. Chemistry and Forensics Departments have not yet yield any conclusive evidence for analysis on the samples taken from the elephant carcasses. Therefore, Masidi has instructed that the scope of tests be widened to more possible contaminants. Analysis results from the two internationally accredited forensic testing facilities hopefully will ensure greater transparency over this investigation.