PENAMPANG: A total of 22 birds, believed to be White-rumped Shamas (Burung Murai Batu), kept without valid permits were seized in an integrated operation at a business premises here on Tuesday.
The operation, led by the Sabah Wildlife Department together with the police through the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) Bukit Aman, was conducted following intelligence gathered from surveillance operations.
Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said inspections at the premises uncovered 22 birds of various types and sizes that were kept in cages without valid permits or licences issued by the department.
He said two cages together with related equipment were also seized during the operation.
“A 55-year-old local man was detained in the operation to assist investigations under Section 41(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 for possession of protected wildlife without lawful authorisation.
“If convicted, the suspect could face a fine of between RM30,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment of between six months and five years, or both.
“The department viewed seriously any activities involving the keeping, possession and trade of wildlife without permits, as such acts contravened the law,” said Mohd Soffian.
Members of the public with information related to wildlife crimes are urged to channel information to the Sabah Wildlife Department to assist ongoing wildlife protection efforts, he added.
