SIBU: Six locals including a woman have been arrested for possession of bird nests worth RM3.091 million in an operation to crack down on illegal swiftlet farming on Wednesday (May 3).
Sibu Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the suspects were arrested in a joint operation codenamed ‘Ops Bersepadu Khazanah’ with the Marine Police Region 5 and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) around 2.30 pm.
Five men and a woman, aged between 27 and 45, were arrested at four bird nests premises in the town.
Inspections found that they had committed several offences, such as operating without a licence and purchasing from illegal sources.
“It was found out that there is evidence that the bird’s nests were exported without a valid permit or license from the Wildlife Controller. All suspects were arrested at their premises,” he said in a statement yesterday.
All arrests and seizures made under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, have been handed over to the SFC for further action.
Meanwhile, SFC on its Facebook said it would continue to conduct operations to combat illegal activities on wildlife trade in the state.
“Those with information on illegal wildlife activities are advised to call SFC hotlines at Kuching (019-8859996), Sibu (019-8883561), Bintulu (019-8332737), or Miri (019-8290994),” it said.
