SIBU, March 4: Four locals and one foreigner were caught red-handed during an attempt to smuggle 15 boxes and two bales of processed birds’ nest out of Sarawak via Sibu Airport yesterday (March 3).
The joint-operation was carried out by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Customs Department Sibu, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sibu and the police.
SFC chief executive officer (CEO), who is also the Controller of Wild Life, Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, in a media release today disclosed that the suspects, aged between 19 to 31, were supposed to travel to Kuala Lumpur.
“The team found the birds’ nest on the five passengers upon inspection of their baggage.
“The case is being investigated under Section 29(2) of the Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998,” he said.
Zolkipli warned that anyone in possession of any protected animal or any recognisable part or derivative thereof, or any nest thereof, without a licence issued under this Ordinance is liable to imprisonment for one year and a fine of RM10,000.
He also expressed his gratitude to all the agencies involved for their diligence in handling the joint operation.
“Close collaboration with different enforcement agencies undoubtedly boosts the effectiveness of our actions against poachers and smugglers,” he added.
Members of the public may lodge a report with SFC if they find anyone hunting, capturing, killing, trading, keeping as pets, importing or exporting protected wildlife via SFC hotlines at 016-8565564/019-8859996 (Kuching), 019-8883561 (Sibu), 019-8223449/019-8332737 (Bintulu) and 019-8290994/018-9799778 (Miri). — DayakDaily
