Malaysian Authorities Bust Major Cockfighting Ring in Tawau, Arrest 5 and Seize Over 600 Birds

In a major crackdown on illegal cockfighting, Malaysian police, in collaboration with multiple enforcement agencies, raided two private residences in Tawau, Sabah, arresting five individuals and seizing over 600 live fighting cocks, along with weapons, medication, and other paraphernalia.

The raids, conducted Thursday, were led by the Bukit Aman Wildlife Crime Bureau along with the Tawau Police, Veterinary Service Department, and the 14th Battalion of the General Operations Force.

At a residence in Kampung Membalua Off Jalan Apas, authorities detained a 57-year-old local resident and seized 152 suspected Filipino-breed fighting cocks.

In a second raid at Kampung Apas Parit, two Filipino and two Indonesian men (ages 31–52) were arrested. Officers seized 470 more birds, 40 gaffs (sharp blades used in fights), hundreds of vitamin bottles, 500 cages, and other equipment.