KUCHING – The Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia Program (WCS Malaysia) lauds Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for its swift action in arresting a man for illegal possession of wildlife parts in Kapit over the weekend.
According to news reports, SFC enforcement officers raided premises on October 5 and seized 148 pieces of hornbill ivory and 152 hornbill feathers, 192 argus pheasant feathers, 16 pangolin scales, 183 pieces of bear bile, 96 porcupine quills, six deer and three barking deer antlers, as well as several other wildlife parts yet to be identified. The 56-year-old suspect was caught red-handed and according to SFC Chairman, Datu Len Talif Salleh, the value of the seized parts could not yet be estimated as investigation is still on-going.
He also said that a report has been made to the police, as well as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission when the suspect attempted to bribe the enforcement officer.
“Wildlife trade is now global,” remarked Director of WCS Malaysia, Dr Melvin Gumal. “Unfortunately, Sarawak is not spared from the atrocities of these crimes, as seen by the massive number of parts confiscated by Sarawak Forestry, like the 148 pieces of hornbill ivory and 152 hornbill feathers. It is reassuring to know that SFC and the State government will not compromise when it comes to combating wildlife trade and protecting these wildlife, which are part of the State’s assets.”
Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia Program is headquartered in Kuching, Sarawak, with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Kahang, Johor and Kuala Rompin in Peninsular Malaysia. Currently, WCS Malaysia works to preserve four priority species – orang-utans, sharks and rays, elephants and tigers. Go to https://malaysia.wcs.org/ for more information on WCS Malaysia and visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WCS.Malaysia/ for updates.
