MIRI, Sept 2: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Miri enforcement team has apprehended a pet owner here yesterday based on a public tip-off of a viralled posting on social media of an alleged pet abuse.
The alleged abuse happened at a shopping mall here where the pet owner used two parrots locked up in two different cages a part of a fortune telling gimmick.
A statement from SFC today said the pet owner failed to produce any permits or licenses for possessing the parrots.
The birds were confiscated and later taken to Piasau Nature Reserve for further physical and health examination.
A report on the raid had been lodged at the nearby police station.
SFC Chief Executive Officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton urged all the pet owners to apply and obtain permits or licenses from the Controller of Wildlife.
He said pet owners should seek verification on the origin of the animals as keeping protected species could lead to a year of imprisonment and fine RM10,000; while keeping totally protected wildlife in Sarawak can lead to the maximum fine of RM50,000 and five years jail.
He again emphasized that wild animals are best to be left undisturbed in the wild as part of the forest communities.
SFC also extended its gratitude to members of the public who have assisted the authorities in curtailing illegal wildlife trading as well as illegal logging in Sarawak.
Those with information on similar illegal activities are urged to call SFC hotlines at 016-8565564/019-8859996 (Kuching), 019-8224566/019-8290994 (Miri), 019-8223449/019-8332737 (Bintulu), and 019-8190140/019-8894474 (Sibu). — DayakDaily
