SIBU, Feb 11: A total of 19 protected birds meant for the market in a neighbouring country were seized by 10th Battalion General Operation Force (GOF) in Sri Aman (GOF) on Monday.
However, no arrest was made in a surprise raid at 5am on a hut in Harn Len Pelita Bengunan KM 35 Jalan Sri Aman.
GOF commander Supt. Sanudin Md Isa said today that the birds included 17 wild oriental magpie-robins and two Burung Tiong (common hill mynas).
The raid on the house was jointly conducted by GOF and Sarawak Forestry Corporation, and officers from Sri Aman Immigration Department.
“During the raid we found 17 wild oriental magpie-robin and two Burung Tiong. However neither the house owner or bird owners showed up,” he said.
Sanudin added that the modus operandi of those involved in the illegal bird trade was to keep the birds in the hut, which was also near an oil palm estate, before sending them to a neighbouring country for sale.
“All birds seized are under Section 29 of Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 where the offender can be fined up to RM10,000 and sentence to one year imprisonment,” he added.
The birds, he added have been referred to SFC in Sri Aman for further action. —DayakDaily
