BELAWAI: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has deployed a team to Kuala Belawai to verify the authenticity of a substance believed to be ambergris, or whale vomit, recently discovered by a local fisherman.
SFC confirmed that a scientific verification process is currently underway, following reports of the rare find by 58-year-old fisherman Semawi Mantali from Kampung Lot Baru Belawai.
“The verification process is ongoing, and at this point, SFC is unable to confirm the authenticity of the material,” the corporation said in a statement today.
The controller of Wild Life said any subsequent action would be taken in accordance with the Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998, once confirmation results are obtained.
Yesterday, it was reported that the fisherman had found a 1.2-kg wax-like lump floating near the shoreline at around 7 am while fishing off Kuala Belawai.
The substance drew attention after he brought it home to show fellow villagers, suspecting it could be ambergris, a highly valuable natural material used in the perfume industry.
Ambergris, often referred to as floating gold, forms in the digestive system of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and can fetch up to USD40,000 (RM170,000) per kilogramme depending on its quality and age.
However, the discovery has also prompted caution, as ambergris is linked to whale by-products regulated under Malaysia’s International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686) and the Wild Life Protection Ordinance, 1998.
Until SFC completes its verification, the item’s status remains unconfirmed.
