RM81.8m bird’s nest bust marks biggest success in Sarawak wildlife crackdown

KUCHING, July 6 — The integrated Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) in Sarawak recorded its biggest success with the seizure of assets worth RM81.8 million involving the illegal trade of bird’s nests during a series of operations conducted from June 1 to 16.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said six individuals were arrested in 10 raids, effectively crippling the illegal processing and commercial trade of bird’s nests in the Kuching area.

“All the suspects have been handed over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for further action as they are suspected of harvesting, collecting, selling and possessing bird’s nests without a valid licence issued by the Controller of Wildlife.

“The case is being investigated under Sections 33(1) and 33(2) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, while the seizures were made under Section 48(1) of the same ordinance,” he said at a press conference at the General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade headquarters here today.

Mohd Yusri said that during the same period, OBK operations nationwide resulted in 70 investigation papers being opened and the arrest of 62 individuals, with the total value of seized assets estimated at RM98.4 million.

Among the items seized during the operation were 16,367 kilogrammes of bird’s nests; 223 birds of various species; eight eagles; two pangolins; 790 turtle eggs; 4,238 tortoises of various species; 218 axolotl salamanders; 116 exotic fish; 959 fighting cocks; 1,673 logs; 7,600 saplings of various species; 14 animal microchips; and nine mammals of various species.

“Throughout the operation, the police successfully carried out a series of raids at strategic locations, including storage facilities, residential premises, logistics vehicles and distribution networks believed to have been used by the owners,” he said. — Bernama