KUCHING, April 25: Nine foreigners were arrested, and RM54,000 worth of items were seized under Ops Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK), a special operation against poachers conducted concurrently in several parts of the country.
In a Facebook post today, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) stated that its enforcement team confiscated several items, including body parts belonging to various wildlife in Ulu Sungai Melatai, Baleh.
“The operation, which was also joined by the Sarawak Marine Police Region 5 (PPM), has arrested nine foreigners.
“Several body parts belonging to various wildlife, including Rhinoceros hornbills, pangolin scales, as well as agarwood and cash, were confiscated.
“All the items seized are estimated to be worth RM54,000,” SFC said.
According to SFC, the suspects were taken to the Kapit police station, while the confiscated items were taken to the SFC Sibu Regional Office for further action.
The case is being investigated under the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998 (Chapter 26).
“The success of OBK is the result of public reports and months of intelligence made by SFC.
“Thank you to PPM and the public for the cooperation and support given during this operation,” said SFC chief executive officer (CEO) Zolkipli Mohamad Aton.
Furthermore, SFC added that members of the public who have information on those who capture, hunt, trade, or preserve protected and fully protected wildlife can call the SFC hotline at 019-8859996 (Kuching), 019-8883561 (Sibu), 019-8332737 (Bintulu), or 019- 8290994 (Miri). — DayakDaily
