Rare species among wildlife rescued during SFC raids

MIRI: A variety of rare species were among the wildlife animals rescued during a series of operations carried out by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) throughout Sarawak this past week.

According to SFC chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, the raids were conducted on a number of markets in Kuching, Matang, Serian, Bau, Kota Samarahan, Sibu, Julau, Selangau, Bintulu, Kidurong, Miri and Kuala Baram.

“The enforcement units carried out surprise raids after gathering information. Our SFC teams sought help from the police, the local councils and the Sarawak Forest Department during the raids, which targeted wet markets in commercial and residential areas,” he said in a statement.

He listed the Barred Owl, Buffy Fish Owl, Blue-Crowned Hanging Parrot, Spotted Dove, Bornean Terrapin, some tortoises and pythons as among the rare species of wild animals rescued during the raids.

However, the SFC teams also discovered python meat, and also parts of wild boars at some markets.

Zolkipli said a police report was lodged in one of the raids against those caught in possession of wildlife animals.

“However, some of the traders managed to escape before our teams arrived, leaving behind the animals.

“The SFC will be relentless in our crackdown against abuse and exploitation of wildlife animals. We mean business,” he stressed, adding that apart from raids, his SFC teams would also put up posters at the wet markets, serving to warn traders against selling wildlife and any of their parts.

“Education and awareness campaigns are important too, aside from enforcement,” he said, adding that the corporation’s long-term goal would be to stop the abuse, trade and consumption of wildlife animals in Sarawak.

In this regard, Zolkipli also announced the setting-up of SFC hotlines, through which the public could send inquiries, or report cases of abuse, trade and consumption of wildlife animals.

The hotlines are 019-885 9996 / 016-856 5564 for Kuching, 019-819 0140 / 019-889 4474 (Sibu), 019-822 3449 (Bintulu), and 019-822 4566 / 019-829 0994 (Miri).

The enforcement units carried out surprise raids after gathering information. Our SFC teams sought help from the police, the local councils and the Sarawak Forest Department during the raids, which targeted wet markets in commercial and residential areas. — Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, SFC chief executive officer

Limbang Division Welfare Volunteers Organisation chairman Adrus Tahir (standing, sixth right) hands over donations, comprising food and other essential items, to the victims of a recent fire in Tedungan. Adrus, who led his charges in the programme yesterday, also expressed his hope that the contribution would help alleviate the sufferings of the victims, and at the same time, would also encourage others in the community to help those in need.

A Barred Owl rescued from poachers.

The operations also uncover python meat being sold at some markets.