By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 5: A syndicate suspected of being involved in international wildlife trafficking and illegal agarwood processing has been dismantled following a joint enforcement operation carried out by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and other enforcement agencies in the Limbang Division from May 1 to 3.
Dubbed Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah, the operation was launched following intelligence gathered after an earlier arrest in Miri City on November 28, 2024.
The three-day crackdown involved 22 SFC personnel and 12 officers from the Special Branch Sarawak, targeting five locations believed to be active in wildlife and forest resource crimes.
Among the items seized were agarwood, hornbill feathers, bear gall bladders and claws, pangolin scales, local and foreign currency, homemade firearms and ammunition, and a four-wheel-drive Hilux vehicle. The total estimated value of the confiscated items is RM400,000.
A total of nine individuals, including four foreign nationals, were arrested and are currently held at Limbang Police Station.
The case is being investigated under the Wild Life Protection Ordinance (WLPO) 1998, while firearm-related offences have been referred to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has also been roped in to assist with further investigations.
SFC general manager Abang Arabi bin Abang Aimran said the success of the operation reflects SFC’s steadfast commitment to protecting Sarawak’s rich biodiversity.
“This operation reflects SFC’s unwavering commitment to combat wildlife crime and protect Sarawak’s natural heritage.
“We will not tolerate any party threatening the State’s biodiversity,” he said in a statement today. — DayakDaily
