The live baby monkeys sold for RM300 each at the market. Photo courtesy of BP reader
MIRI: A shopper was shocked to see endangered and protected animals among the various jungle produce sold at the Miri Centre Point Sunday market here.
Two barbequed civets and a barbequed anteater sliced up into pieces were among some of the animals being prepared for customers, to her distress.
She also discovered live baby monkeys sold at RM300 each and river terrapins being sold openly at the market.
“Me and my husband were surprised to see these animals being sold in the market as these are protected species,” the shopper, who only wanted to be known as Tan told The Borneo Post today.
She urged the authorities to take action to prevent such activities.
The barbequed civets and anteaters sold openly at the market. Civets are listed as protected animals in the state. Photo courtesy of BP reader
When contacted, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) deputy general manager
Oswald Braken Tisen confirmed that the animals were listed as protected
species.
“The penalties for hunting or possessing any of these animals dead or alive, and possessing any of their parts without a license is a fine of RM10,000 and one year imprisonment,” their website reads.
He said he has instructed the SFC’s enforcement team to act on the matter immediately.
“I will alert our team in Miri to assist with the issue,” he said.