LUNDU, Nov 4: A total of 34 wild animals including two protected species were rescued from a farm house in a joint operation held today.
According to a statement of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, after receiving a tip-off from the General Operations Force (PGA), SFC in collaboration with the Marine Police, the Immigration Department and PGA raided a farm house in Lundu.
Among the wild animals rescued including a slow loris, four White-rumped Shamas (a protected species), a porcupine, a bear cat, six Parakeets, a Hill Myna, and other wild birds such as two Magpie Robins, a Zebra Dove, 13 Green pigeons and four spotted doves.
“The owner failed to produce the relevant licenses or permits from the Controller of Wildlife, and all the animals were confiscated and will be kept in Matang Wildlife Center before being release to the wild,” said Zolkipli.
The success of the operation was made possible by the cooperation shown between the four agencies and it indicated the positive result of SFC initiative in creating awareness on illegal wildlife trade in Sarawak, he added.
“This year, we have organised a series of workshops on illegal wildlife trade throughout Sarawak to enhance coordination and team work among relevant enforcement agencies.”
Zolkipli said there will be more joint operations in time to come as part of the action plan agreed in the workshop.
Illegally keeping protected species can lead to one year imprisonment and a fine of RM10,000; while keeping totally protected wildlife in Sarawak can lead to the maximum fine RM50,000 and five years jail term. — DayakDaily
