By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 6: Kuching has been identified as a major hub for the illegal bird’s nest trade after authorities dismantled a syndicate and seized RM81.8 million worth of products in 10 raids across Sarawak.
Federal Department of Internal Security and Public Order (JKDNKA) director CP Dato Sri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the raids, conducted under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) from June 1 to 16, led to the arrest of six suspects believed to be involved in the illegal collection, possession and trade of edible bird’s nests without valid licences.
“We have handed the suspects over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for further action under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. This operation has dealt a significant blow to illegal bird’s nest processing and commercial trade activities around Kuching.
“Our investigations revealed that the bird’s nests were processed at commercial premises instead of being harvested from natural sites such as caves or forests,” he said at a press conference here.
Preliminary findings also indicated the products were mainly intended for export to foreign markets.
The suspects, comprising both locals and foreign nationals are being investigated under Sections 33(1) and 33(2) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. The seized items were confiscated under Section 48(1) of the same ordinance.
The bird’s nest case formed part of the nationwide OBK operation coordinated by the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) under JKDNKA, with support from multiple enforcement agencies.
Nationwide, the June 1–16 operation produced 70 investigation papers, led to 62 arrests, and uncovered seizures worth RM98.4 million involving wildlife and environmental crimes.
Items seized included 16,367kg of edible bird’s nests, 223 birds, eight eagles, two pangolins, 790 turtle eggs, 4,238 turtles, 218 axolotls, 116 exotic fish, 959 fighting cocks and 1,673 logs.
Mohd Yusri said JKDNKA would continue intensifying enforcement against those involved in the illegal harvesting, processing, storage, transportation and trade of edible bird’s nests, and reminded the public to comply with licensing requirements. Offenders risk arrest, prosecution and asset forfeiture. — DayakDaily
