PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) is investigating images of several individuals posing next to a dead tiger that have gone viral on social media.

"We take a serious view of this matter and have ordered a probe to be carried out to check the authenticity of the images," said Perhilitan director-general Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim.

"Investigations into the case will be done under Section 68(2)(c) of the Wildlife Protection Act 2010 for hunting tigers without a special permit," he said in a statement to The Star on Friday (Oct 14) evening.

The offence carries a jail term of up to five years and a maximum fine of RM500,000 (S$165,000), upon conviction.

Abdul Kadir said his officers were now going all-out to track down those responsible and verify the exact location where the photo was taken.

Tigers are a protected species and it is illegal to kill or maim them in Malaysia, unless in a life-threatening situation.