SIBU: More wildlife has been rescued from the clutches of humans. In the latest operation, more than 20 wildlife animals, including an Oriental Pied Hornbill and a sun bear, were rescued following a raid on a suspected illegal animal farm here.
In the operation conducted by a Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) enforcement team at 12.15pm on Oct 1, the enforcers rescued 23 animals, which included an Oriental Pied Hornbill — a totally protected animal — a sun bear, a parrot, a bearcat, six porcupines, a Hill Myna, two crocodiles, three squirrels, a tortoise, an eagle, a pigeon, two Bali Myna and a macaque.
The animals were taken into care after concerns were raised about their on-site welfare. As the owner failed to produce a valid licence or permit, these animals will be sent to Matang Wildlife Centre for keeping before releasing them to the wild.
SFCSB CEO Zolkipli Mohamad Aton said, “The owner should seek verification on the origin of the animals as illegally keeping protected species can lead to a year’s imprisonment and a fine of RM10,000, while keeping totally protected wildlife in Sarawak can lead to the maximum fine of RM50,000 and five years’ jail.”
He thanked the public for the tip-offs and assistance in curbing illegal wildlife trading as well as illegal logging in Sarawak.
Those with information on wildlife trade are encouraged to contact SFC hotlines at 016-8565564/019-8859996 (Kuching), 019-8883561 (Sibu), 019-8223449/019-8332737 (Bintulu) and 019-8290994/018-9799778 (Miri).
