MIRI: Various rare and exotic wildlife species were left behind by fleeing traders when surprise raids were carried out in several locations in the state.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) officers swooped down on the markets here, Kuala Baram, Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Matang, Serian, Bau, Sibu, Julau, Selangau, Bintulu and Kidurong.
Among the wildlife species seized were barred owls, buffy fish owls, blue-crowned hanging parrots, spotted doves, Bornean river terrapins, tortoises, as well as wild boar parts and python meat.
“We mean business,” stressed SFC chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, adding that the raids were carried out following extensive information gathering.
“SFC will be relentless in our statewide crackdown against wildlife abuse and exploitation.
“We sought the help of the police, local councils and the Sarawak Forestry Department to conduct the raids, targeting wet markets in commercial and residential areas.”
Zolkipli said: “A police report was also lodged during one of the raids against those caught in possession of the wildlife.
“However, many others (wildlife traders) managed to escape before our enforcement teams arrived. Some left behind the wildlife when they escaped.”
He added that besides conducting raids, SFC teams would be putting up posters in wet markets warning traders against selling rare and exotic wildlife.
“Educational and awareness campaigns are equally important apart from enforcement.
“Our long-term goal is to stop the abuse, trade and consumption of wildlife in Sarawak…it’s a definite ‘No’ to any form of exploitation of protected wildlife species,” he reiterated.
He also announced the setting-up of SFC hotlines to tackle wildlife abuse in Sarawak.
The numbers are 019-8859996 and 016-8565564 (Kuching), 019-8190140 and 019-8894474 (Sibu),
019-8223449 (Bintulu) and; 019-8224566 and 019-8290994 (Miri).
