MIRI: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), in collaboration with the General Operations Force (GOF) 11 Battalion, successfully dismantled a wildlife and plant smuggling syndicate during an ‘Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah’ (OBK) conducted in the city area.
The operation resulted in the seizure of protected wildlife and plants valued at an estimated RM15 million, marking one of the most significant successes in SFC’s history.
SFC in a statement said that among the items confiscated were agar wood logs and powder, agar wood essential oil, pangolin scales, porcupine bezoars, deer antlers, barking deer antlers, hornbill heads, wildlife skulls, coral reefs, bear bile, boar tusks, bear claws, exotic animals, crocodile hatchlings, and cash amounting to RM42,635.
“All suspects detained during the operation have been taken to Miri Police Station for further action. The case is being investigated under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 (Chapter 26),” the statement said.
The Sarawak Controller of Wildlife commended the operation’s success, describing it as one of the largest busts to date.
The achievement, it said, highlights the dedication of SFC and its partner agencies in combating crimes involving the state’s flora and fauna.
The corporation added that the ‘Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah’ aims to enhance the enforcement of laws and combat biodiversity-related crimes, including forest encroachment, poaching, wildlife smuggling, and illegal biodiversity resource extraction.
The initiative involves close collaboration between the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Customs Department, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), and other relevant agencies in Sarawak and Sabah.
“In Sarawak, SFC plays a critical role in enforcing wildlife-related laws, which include arresting offenders, confiscating illegal items, conducting investigations, preparing case files, and prosecuting wildlife crimes,” it added.
The public are encouraged to report any activities related to the hunting, trade, or possession of protected or fully protected wildlife to SFC to aid ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity in the region.
