21-07-2025
GOF seizes six protected species of birds in raid on shop
RANTAU PANJANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized six birds of the 'Murai Batu' (White-rumped Shama) and 'Dendang Selayang' (Black-naped Oriole) species in a raid at a shop in Kampung Bukit Tandak, here, yesterday.
GOF Southeast Brigade GOF Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said the birds were seized during Op Taring Wawasan carried out at noon.
"During the raid, the GOF personnel discovered 22,000 sticks of white cigarettes hidden in a toilet of the premises.
"Upon further inspection outside the premises, they found five 'Murai Batu' birds and one 'Dendang Selayang', both protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
"A 44-year-old local man, believed to be the caretaker of the premises, was detained. The birds as well as the cigarettes, believed to have been smuggled from a neighbouring country, were seized," he said today.
Ros Azhan said the estimated total seizure value was RM56,000.
"The case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department of Pasir Mas district police station and the state Wildlife department for further action," he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(e) of the Customs Act 1967 and Schedules (1) and (2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
