SIBU: Possessing protected wildlife parts without a permit proved costly for a local woman, who was jailed more than 20 years after failing to pay RM333,000 in fines linked to hornbill and sambar deer remains.
The Sessions Court here recently heard that the items seized included a rhinoceros hornbill casque, 10 hornbill feathers, 92 Argus pheasant feathers, 29 sambar deer antler parts, as well as six deer skulls with antlers.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said the woman had pleaded guilty to possessing various protected wildlife parts without a valid permit or licence from the Controller of Wild Life.
“She was charged under Section 37(1) read together with Section 29(1)(c) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 involving three offences related to fully protected and protected wildlife.
“After failing to settle the fine, the woman was sentenced to 241 months’ imprisonment, equivalent to 20 years and one month,” SFC said in a statement today (May 22).
Controller of Wild Life, Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, said SFC would not compromise with individuals or syndicates involved in illegal wildlife activities in Sarawak.
“The court’s decision serves as a clear warning that Sarawak takes wildlife crimes seriously.
“We will continue strengthening enforcement operations, intelligence efforts and cooperation with the public to ensure wildlife crimes can be curbed more effectively,” he said.
In a separate case heard on the same day, another local was fined RM15,000 after admitting to possessing three civets and two portions of pangolin meat without written permission from the Controller of Wild Life.
SFC said the man had previously been detained twice for similar wildlife-related offences, making it his third arrest involving protected wildlife.
The corporation said both cases were uncovered through ongoing enforcement operations, inspections and intelligence activities carried out statewide to curb illegal wildlife trade.
Meanwhile, SFC’s Deputy General Manager for Conservation, who is also the Deputy Controller of Wild Life, Madhan Kiflee, reminded the public that stern action would continue to be taken against offenders involved in wildlife crimes.
“Let this case serve as a stern warning that anyone who violates wildlife laws will be held fully accountable under Sarawak’s existing legal provisions.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely, strengthen integrated cooperation, and take firm action against any violations,” he said.
