SIBU, Jan 23: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) enforcement officers rescued 160 wildlife and confiscated over 100 animal parts in separate raids here.
SFC chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton said the raid carried out by enforcement team from its Sibu Regional Office discovered various protected animal parts and products, as well as live animals of various species.
Among the rescued wildlife species were different species of lizards, iguanas, baby crocodiles, turtles, tortoises and pythons which are protected under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), he added.
“We will continuously take action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna in Sarawak. This is our commitment to strengthen efforts to address illegal wildlife trade and tackle wildlife crime,” he said in a statement today.
Zolkipli added that SFC also confiscated more than 100 animals parts from a handicraft shop in Sibu yesterday.
“Our enforcement team made a spot check at the premise at 3.30pm and discovered protected animal parts and products.
“On the same day at around 4:30pm, our enforcement team raided another premise in Sibu and rescued one lizard, six iguanas and one softshell turtle, which are also protected under CITES,” he continued.
Zolkipli said three suspects were detained after failing to produce any permits issued by the wildlife controller to keep the animals.
The three cases will be investigated under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1998.
“SFC extended its gratitude to members of the public who have assisted authorities in curtailing illegal wildlife trading in Sarawak. Members of the public can lodge a report with SFC if they find anyone keeping or selling protected animals,” he said.
SFC hotlines are reachable at 016-8565564 and 019-8859996 for Kuching, 019-8883561 (Sibu), 019-8223449 and 019-8332737 for Bintulu and 019-8290994 and 018-9799778 for Miri. — DayakDaily
