KUCHING, May 6: A man from Long Liwok, Sg Layun in Ulu Baram, Miri who rescued a two-week-old male sunbear has surrendered the cub to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) yesterday (May 5).
According to SFC, in a media release today, the man took the action following advice from Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
On the same day, a Mirian man also surrendered a green iguana he found at the roadside near Piasau area to SFC.
The iguana is listed under Appendix II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
SFC chief executive officer (CEO) and Controller of Wild Life Zolkipli Aton said that both animals will be kept at Piasau Nature Reserve before releasing into the wild.
“I am grateful to the people of Miri for being conscious of their responsibility in conserving our wildlife,” he added.
Zolkipli reminded again that wild animals are best left undisturbed in the wild as part of the forest communities.
He warned that any person who hunts, kills, captures, sells or is in possession of any protected animal without a permit from the Controller of Wild Life is an offence punishable with a jail term up to one year and RM10,000 fine.
The public with information on wildlife sightings is encouraged to call SFC’s hotlines in Kuching (019-8859996, 013-8110150), Sibu (019-8883561), Bintulu (019-8223449, 019-8332737), or Miri (019-8224566, 019-8290994). —DayakDaily.
