Latest news with #WildlifeProtectionOrdinance1998
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Forestry corp enlists longhouses in fight to save wildlife, plants
Sarawak Forestry Corporation officers using posters to educate longhouse residents on protected wildlife species. Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is working with the Kelawit community in Tatau to help protect endangered birds, animals and plants. As part of the initiative, SFC is distributing educational posters to longhouses in the area. These posters feature the names and images of Sarawak's unique wildlife, including rare and endangered species. In a post on its social media platforms, SFC stated that raising awareness of these species is a vital first step in preventing hunting, illegal trade and unintentional harm. 'Every plant and animal has a role in keeping our forests, rivers and our lives in balance.' 'These posters are a reminder that conservation is not just for parks or rangers; it is for all of us. 'Let us protect our wildlife, not only because the law says so but because it is part of who we are,' it said. SFC also launched its communication, educational and public awareness (Cepa) programme in Rh Jampa, Nanga Belungai in Tatau, which aims to raise awareness of Sarawak's totally protected and protected species under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. 'With the community, we aim to protect our precious wildlife and plants, ensuring a balanced ecosystem for future generations,' it said. Additionally, SFC's Beyond Timber Carnival 2025 makes its comeback championing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to enhance rural livelihoods. 'Through Cepa and Beyond Timber Carnival, we take a firm stand in promoting conservation through education, and sustainable use through collaboration. 'Let this be the year we protect, restore and reimagine our relationship with the forest in unity, together,' it said.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Borneo Post
GOF Sarawak seizes RM6.82 mln in contraband, wildlife during ops in Sibu, Bau
A handout photo shows a GOF personnel inspecting a caged wildlife seized during the raid in Sibu. KUCHING (May 22): The General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade has successfully crippled three criminal activities in recent operations under Op Taring Alpha/Charlie and Op Bersepadu Khazanah, with total seizures valued at around RM6.82 million. Sarawak GOF Brigade deputy commander, ACP Rosdi Inai, said the first operation, conducted on May 21 at a residence in Sibu, led to the arrest of a 44-year-old local man and the confiscation of various contraband items and weapons including imitation firearms. 'The seized items included 7,600 cartons of white cigarettes, 6,788 cartons of kretek cigarettes, 435 boxes of firecrackers, two imitation firearms, nine dangerous weapons and a four-wheel drive vehicle with an estimated value of RM6,297,990,' he said in a statement today. The case is being investigated under multiple laws, including the Customs Act 1967 and the Arms Act 1960. In a second operation on May 19, GOF personnel raided a premises in Bau believed to be used for the illegal storage of 15,000kg of rattan. 'On May 19, a team from the GOF Sarawak Brigade Headquarters raided a premises in Bau suspected of being used to store rattan without a permit. 'Eleven men, including three foreigners, were arrested, and 15,000kg of rattan along with two lorries were seized. The total seizure is estimated at RM490,000,' he said. A handout photo shows illegal rattan seized during one of the raids. The case is currently under investigation by the Bau District Police Headquarters (IPD) and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 and the Immigration Act. The third operation, also conducted on May 19 in Sibu, targeted illegal wildlife possession. 'In that operation, a 49-year-old local man was arrested for possessing 35 wild animals, 84kg of coral, and captive equipment without a permit. 'The seizure is estimated at RM34,730 and the case has been handed over to SFC Sibu and is being investigated under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998,' said Rosdi. He also revealed that from January 1 to May 22, Op Taring operations have resulted in seizures worth RM243 million across 188 cases, leading to 297 arrests and the confiscation of 178 vehicles. 'This operation demonstrates GOF's ongoing commitment to combat smuggling and crimes related to the country's natural resources,' he said. contraband GOF illegal Op Taring
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Man nabbed in Betong with RM553k worth of illegal wildlife body parts, firearms
Some of the items and illegal firearms seized in the raid. 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
