SFC personnel confiscate illegal wildlife found in markets across the state.
MIRI: Several rare species of wildlife have been rescued by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s (SFC) enforcement unit during their state-wide operation this week against the abuse of wildlife.
SFC Chief Executive Officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton said among the rare species seized from wildlife traders and keepers were a barred eyed owl, buffy fish owl, blue crowned hanging parrot, spotted doves, other live birds, terrapins such as the Borneon terrapin, tortoises, pythons, a slaughtered python and parts of a slaughtered wild boar.
He said enforcement units carried out surprise raids after gathering information on the areas.
The raids were carried out in markets in Miri, Kuala Baram, Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Matang, Serian, Bau, Sibu, Julau, Selangau, Bintulu and Kidurong.
A live barred eye owl were among the animals that were rescued during the operation.
“Our SFC teams sought the help of the police, the local councils and the Sarawak Forest Department to help in the numerous raids that were targeted in wet markets in commercial and residential areas,” said Zolkifli in a statement today.
He said a police report was also lodged in one of the raids against those caught possessing the wildlife.
“However, there were many of these wildlife traders who managed to escape before our enforcement teams arrived. Some left behind the wildlife when they escape,”
“SFC will be relentless in our statewide crackdown against wildlife abuse and exploitation. We mean business.
“It’s a definite no to any form of exploitation of protected and totally-protected species,” he said.
He also announced the setting up of SFC hotlines to tackle wildlife abuse in Sarawak.
SFC hotlines for Kuching are 019-8859996/016-8565564, Sibu (019-8190140, 019-8894474), Bintulu (019-8223449) and Miri (019-8224566, 019-8290994).