KUCHING: Four locals have been arrested for the illegal possession of protected wildlife species in separate enforcement operations carried out last Monday, April 21.
Sarawak Marine Police Region 5 Commander, ACP Abdul Rahman Mat Hasan, said the operations, conducted in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), took place here and in Bintulu.
“In Kuching, three men were detained after being found with various protected species, including three bearded dragons, four geckos along with eggs, 36 tarantulas, three sugar gliders, and three Indian star tortoises.
“In Bintulu, a local man was arrested for illegally possessing 101.4 kilogrammes of bird’s nests, which were discovered stored in a freezer,” he said in a statement.
He added that none of the individuals had valid permits or licences for the possession of the wildlife items.
The total value of all seizures is estimated at RM735,500.
The cases are being investigated under the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998.
Upon conviction, those found with fully protected species may face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to RM50,000 per animal.
For protected species, the penalty includes a jail term of up to one year and a RM10,000 fine per animal.
Abdul Rahman urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving wildlife to the authorities to support ongoing enforcement efforts and ensure effective protection of endangered species.
