Kinabatangan:The Sabah Wildlife Department is currently investigating the death of a Bornean elephant discovered in the Kinabatangan River, close to the Angco Jaya Plantation and the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin reported that the elephant's carcass, believed to have drifted downstream, was a male approximately six feet tall and estimated to be between 14 and 18 years old. Initial assessments indicated the animal had died four to five days before being discovered, with physical checks revealing several injuries and missing tusks.

A post-mortem examination was conducted by the Sabah Wildlife Department on October 1, during which organ samples and stomach contents were collected for laboratory analysis to determine the cause of death. The department is also gathering a statement from the individual who first reported the incident as part of their ongoing inquiries.

Jafry emphasized the seriousness with which the state government is treating the situation and stated that strict action under wildlife protection laws would be enforced if any human involvement or legal violations are found. He encouraged the public to provide any relevant information to assist in the investigation and advised against making speculative conclusions until scientific results are available.