Man nabbed in Betong with RM553k worth of illegal wildlife body parts, firearms
BETONG (May 5): A local man has been detained while several body parts of protected wildlife and a number of homemade firearms were seized during a joint operation here late last month.
The operation, which was carried out by the Marine Police Force (PPM) Region 5 Sarawak in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), took place on April 24 following intelligence gathering and surveillance conducted at two separated locations in Betong district.
'In the first raid carried out in Betong town, the team successfully detained a local man in possession of three units of 'batu geliga'.
'Preliminary investigations suspect that the stones originated from porcupines.
'A weighing scale, believed to have been used for transactions involving the stones in the local market, was also confiscated,' Marine Region 5 Sarawak commander ACP Ab Rahman Mat Hasan said in a statement.
He added that a follow-up raid at the suspect's residence in Ulu Layar led to the discovery of a large quantity of forest produce and wildlife parts believed to be kept for illegal trade.
'Among the items seized were 5.81 kilogrammes of agarwood, 220 porcupine quills, three 'batu geliga' stones, and 156 feathers from the argus pheasant.
'Also seized were three homemade shotguns with 111 rounds of buckshot, as well as one homemade air rifle and 100 pellets,' he said.
All wildlife-related items were handed over to the SFC for further action under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.
Meanwhile, the firearms and ammunition were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Division of the Betong District Police Headquarters for investigation under the Arms Act 1960.
'If convicted under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, offenders may face up to five years' imprisonment and a fine ranging from RM25,000 to RM50,000 for each fully protected animal.
'For offences involving unlicensed possession of firearms under the Arms Act 1960, the offender may face up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both,' he stressed.
The total estimated value of the seizure was RM553,550.
Ab Rahman stressed that the police remain committed to combating smuggling and illegal possession of wildlife and firearms.
'Cooperation and information from the public are highly encouraged to ensure such criminal activities can be effectively eradicated,' he said. crime firearms possession protected wildlife Sarawak Forestry Corporation
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