Eight held over Bukit Besi cattle theft

DUNGUN: Eight people aged 17 to 73 were arrested for allegedly stealing cattle from Ladang Pinang Mas in Bukit Besi at 2.30am today.

Dungun police chief Superintendent Maizura Abdul Kadir said the suspects were caught in the act following a tip-off from the livestock owner, who lodged a report at 2am.

She said the arrests were made during a joint operation involving the Criminal Investigation Department, patrol unit and Bukit Besi police station.

“Following the report, we acted quickly and raided the area, arresting eight suspects aged between 17 and 73,” she said.

Police believe the case may be linked to other livestock thefts in the area.

Cops seized 18 pieces of cattle meat, a shotgun with live ammunition, knives, meat-cutting tools, seven mobile phones and two vehicles believed to have been used to transport the stolen meat.

Checks revealed the shotgun was legally owned by one of the suspects.

Investigations are ongoing under the Arms Act 1960, Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and Section 379 of the Penal Code.

All suspects have been remanded.

Maizura advised the public to install CCTV, ensure proper lighting in pens and conduct routine patrols to prevent theft.

Licensed firearm owners were also reminded to store their weapons safely and according to legal procedures.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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