Kuala lumpur: Three men were arrested after authorities discovered the carcass of a tiger, believed to have been hunted illegally, inside a car in Felda Tenggaroh here, this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Bukit Aman Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) reported in a Facebook post that the joint operation with the Johor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) was initiated based on a public tip-off. FRU commander SAC Rosli Md Yusof disclosed that a Perodua Alza vehicle was inspected, revealing the dead tiger (Panthera Tigris Jacksoni) along with several other items.

"Tigers are invaluable national treasures. Their loss due to human greed is a betrayal of our heritage. FRU's intelligence will continue to lead efforts in collaboration with our partner agencies to protect every national treasure. We are determined to eliminate illegal poaching without compromise, ensuring the preservation of nature for future generations," he said.

In the operation, authorities confiscated the dead tiger, a Perodua Alza car, and four mobile phones, with an estimated total value of RM294,007. Preliminary investigations showed that the tiger had sustained severe injuries, believed to be from a trap, along with six gunshot wounds to the head, which ultimately caused its death.

The suspects, aged between 28 and 49, have been remanded to assist in further investigations under Section 70 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) for possessing wildlife without a special permit. Meanwhile, Johor Perhilitan director Aminuddin Jamin, when contacted, confirmed that investigations were ongoing. "Our investigation officers are actively continuing their work and are in the process of finalising the case file," he said briefly.