SIBU, Feb 11: A total of 27 people were arrested and RM46,670 worth of swiftlet nests seized from them from 28 raids conducted over two days around shop premises in Tanjung Manis for illegal swiftlet farming.
Sibu District Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said that the raids were carried out as part of Op Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) last Wednesday and Thursday.
According to him, the operation was carried out by a team of the Sibu Region 5 Marine Police together with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Sibu, Matu Daro District Council, Mukah Division Land and Survey Department, Tanjung Manis Fire and Rescue Department and Sarawak Energy Berhad.
The suspects comprised of 22 local men and five local women aged between 20 and 81, who were caretakers of the premises.
“On both days of the raid, a total of 324 pieces of swiftlet nests, some audio equipment and accessories to attract swiftlets were also seized,” he said.
Zulkipli said all the suspects failed to show a valid permit/license from the Wildlife Controller to carry out swiftlet farming activities.
“A police report has been made and all arrests and seizures have been handed over to the SFC Department for further action.
“The arrest and seizure are under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998,” added Zulkipli. — DayakDaily
