KUCHING: Authorities have seized RM98.4 million worth of protected wildlife, forest resources and other contraband during ‘Ops Bersepadu Khazanah’ (OBK), a nationwide operation that dealt a major blow to environmental and wildlife crime syndicates.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the operation, conducted from Jun 1 to 16, resulted in 70 investigation papers being opened under various sections of the law.
He added that it also led to the arrest of 62 individuals suspected of involvement in various environmental and wildlife-related offences.
“Among the major seizures were 16,367kg of edible bird’s nests, 223 birds of various species, eight eagles, 7,600 tree saplings, two pangolins, 790 turtle eggs, 4,238 turtles, 14 animal microchips, nine mammals of various species, 218 axolotl salamanders, 116 exotic fish, 959 fighting cocks and 1,673 logs.
“During the same period in Sarawak, 10 raids were conducted across the state, marking OBK’s biggest success against edible bird’s nest offences by crippling of illegal processing and commercial trade of edible bird’s nests in Kuching.
“A total of six suspects were arrested, while the total value of seizures and confiscations is estimated at RM81.8 million,” he said at a press conference today (Jul 6).
The case is being investigated under Sections 33(1) and 33(2) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, while the seized items were confiscated under Section 48(1) of the same ordinance.
All six suspects have been handed over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for further action after they were suspected of harvesting, collecting, selling and possessing edible bird’s nests without a valid licence issued by the Controller of Wildlife.
Mohd Yusri said the department would continue intensifying enforcement against individuals and syndicates involved in the illegal harvesting, processing, storage, transportation and trade of edible bird’s nests.
He said police would not compromise with anyone seeking to profit from the illegal exploitation of the country’s wildlife resources.
He said the success of OBK formed part of the department’s broader enforcement efforts nationwide.
Between Jan 1 and Jun 30, JKDNKA recorded 255 cases involving offences under its jurisdiction, resulting in the arrest of 352 individuals and seizures and confiscations worth RM234.8 million.
“The success of these operations is not measured solely by the value of the seizures, but by our ability to cripple criminal syndicates, prevent leakages in national revenue, and protect the country’s natural resources and strategic assets,” he said.
