Armed robbers targetting swiftlet farms in Pasai Siong, Jalan Oya

Ling (seated third left) with Hadian on his left and others at the dialogue on how to stop armed robbery of swiftlet houses.

By Wendy John

SIBU, Jan 7: The high price of bird’s nest has led to a gang of armed robbers targetting a number of swiftlet houses in Pasai Siong and Jalan Oya over the last few months.

The current price for processed bird’s nest range between RM6,500 to RM9,000 per kg.

Concern with the high spate of robberies, Sibu MP Oscar Ling wants more frequent police patrols in the area, and also police roadblocks at certain locations.

At a dialogue with deputy Sibu Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief, ASP Hadian Keria today, Ling said that the gang was made up of six to eight robbers believed to be armed, according to the victims.

Ling had arranged a dialogue between farmers, Persatuan Masyarakat Oya and the police.

“There are six to eight robbers working in a group. This has sounded the alarm over security in the area. Farmers are worried that their security is compromised,” he said.

Hadian meanwhile suggested farmers install wireless CCTV to facilitate police investigations, and also hire security guards with firearms licences.

Dialogue participants also agreed to set up joint action group through social media for information sharing and also as a platform to warn each other in the group about any suspicious events. — DayakDaily