MIRI, Nov: More than 20 animal parts believed to be belonging to some “totally protected” as well as protected species were seized by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) enforcement officers during an operation in Niah, yesterday.
According to SFC in a press statement today, their enforcement officers from Miri Regional Office made a spot check at a food court in Niah, and found several wildlife parts hidden in a locked room.
“Among the wildlife parts found in the possession of a 45-year-old-man, were a Sawfish’s head, the skin of a wild cat, two primate skulls, three large carnivore skulls, two “kura-kura” (turtles) and a “baning” (Manouria emys).
“Wildlife specialists have been called to verify the species but the specimens have yet to be fully identified,” it said.
SFC had questioned the suspect who was found to have been keeping wildlife parts without valid documentation from the Controller of Wild Life.
“He is now being investigated under Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998. The investigation is on-going and we take this case seriously,” said Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, Controller of Wild Life.
Meanwhile, Zolkipli also expressed his gratitude to the public in Miri for their tip-offs and encouraged them to continue providing leads and information to officers in combating illegal wildlife trade.
“Our enforcement has been proven effective as evidenced by numbers of the successful raids. We will continue to be vigilant and work closely with relevant agencies and the public at large to curb any illegal wildlife trade,” he said.
SFC hotlines are reachable at 019-8859996 (Kuching), 019-8883561 (Sibu), 019-8332737 (Bintulu), 019-8290994 (Miri). – DayakDaily.
