MUKAH, June 28 — Four local men were arrested for allegedly involved in cockfighting activities during a police raid at an open area within an oil palm plantation along Jalan Bayan Ulu here yesterday.

Mukah district police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said the raid was carried out at about 2pm by officers from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Mukah District Police Headquarters (IPD Mukah), following intelligence and public information.

“During the raid, a group of individuals was found engaging in cockfighting activities. Upon noticing the presence of police, all of them fled into a nearby forest area,” he said in a statement.

He added that police then pursued the suspects and managed to detain four local men, aged between 30 and 48.

“Police also seized three live roosters, one dead chicken, two cockfighting spurs, a weighing scale, various gambling paraphernalia, and RM55 in cash,” he said.

All suspects were taken to IPD Mukah for further investigation.

Urine screening tests on all four suspects returned negative for drugs. However, checks revealed that one of them had a prior criminal record.

The case is being investigated under Section 73(1)(g) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM2,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both upon conviction.

Muhamad Rizal reminded the public not to engage in illegal gambling activities, warning that such offences not only lead to arrest and prosecution but may also cause financial hardship and social problems. — The Borneo Post