SIBU: Authorities have made the largest seizure of dried sea cucumbers ever recorded in Sarawak, confiscating about eight tonnes believed to have exceeded permitted limits.
The haul was uncovered during ‘Ops Bersepadu Khazanah’ involving the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) on Sunday (Apr 20).
The protected marine species, listed under the Wildlife Ordinance 1998, were seized for further investigation after enforcement officers found suspected breaches of approved permit conditions.
SFC said the case marked the biggest seizure of its kind to date, reflecting growing concerns over illegal exploitation of high-value marine resources.
“The corporation would like to emphasise that compliance with permit conditions is crucial to ensure wildlife resources are managed in a sustainable, controlled and effective manner.
“Firm action will continue to be taken against any party that fails to comply with the regulations set,” they said.
Among the protected sea cucumber species listed under CITES Appendix II and the Wildlife Ordinance 1998 are Holothuria (Microthele) fuscogilva (white teatfish), Holothuria (Microthele) nobilis and whitmaei (black teatfish), as well as Holothuria lessoni (sandfish).
SFC stated that these species are increasingly threatened due to intense global demand, particularly for dried sea cucumbers, which are considered a high-value commodity in food and traditional medicine markets.
Beyond their commercial value, sea cucumbers play a vital ecological role as ‘ecosystem engineers’, helping recycle nutrients, improve sediment quality, and maintain the balance of marine habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds.
“The loss of these species can disrupt the overall health of marine ecosystems,” the corporation said.
Given their high value, slow reproduction rate and ecological importance, these species have become prime targets for international trade, necessitating strict controls under CITES and protection under local laws to ensure long-term sustainability.
Members of the public have also been urged to report any suspicious activities involving wildlife to authorities to strengthen conservation and enforcement efforts.
