ALOR STAR: Kedah Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has crippled a syndicate behind the poaching of endangered wildlife in Ulu Muda Forest Reserve following the arrest of six men under 'Ops Hunter'.
Its director Jamalun Nasir Ibrahim said the raiding team also seized an assortment of wildlife parts and meat valued over RM100,000 during simultaneous raids in Kampung Landai, Kampung Belantek, Kampung Galau and Kampung Kota Aur on Saturday.
"All six men, aged between 40 and 63, is believed to have entered the forest reserve to hunt endangered animals using rifles and arrows. We believe they have processed the spoils in a hut inside the forest before being sold to customers.
"We have seized an assortment of parts and meat comprising Kijang and Sambar deer body parts, wild chicken parts, about one kilogram of Kijang and Sambar deer meat, mouse-deer meat along with various bird species like Hanging Parrots, Hornbills, Leaf Birds, Emerald Doves, Black-crested Bulbul, Hooked-Billed Bulbul, and White-rumped shama.
"We have also seized trophy skulls and horns of wild creatures, as well as items that hold significant value, weapons comprising of a 12-bore shotgun, a knife, two self-made hunter bows, and two self-made guns," he said in a press conference at his office here today.
He said the 'Ops Hunter' were jointly carried out by the department and 20 policemen from the Wildlife Crime Bureau (WCB) and 20 policemen from the Ulu Kinta VAT 69 commando unit.
The case is being investigated under Section 60(1) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 which carries a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or a jail term of up to three years.
Jamalun added that besides hunting and selling endangered wildlife, the syndicate is also believed to have organising illegal wildlife sports hunting and money laundering schemes.
"Investigations into their money laundering activity are being carried out by the police under the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001 (AMLA)," he said.
According to Jamalun, 22 cases of illegal wildlife poaching had been reported between 2019 to 2023, encompassing various bird and mammal species across Peninsular Malaysia.