Hide the RM20,000 bird in the toilet
It is estimated that the value of the bird involved amounts to RM20,000.
KUALA LUMPUR: The act of selling and hiding various species of protected local birds worth RM20,000 in the toilet was discovered after a house in Kuala Rompin, Pahang was raided last Monday.
The Director General of the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks (Perhilitan), Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said that the operation at about 2.30 am was carried out by members of the General Operations Team (PGA) of the Southeast Brigade of the 9 Armored Squadron of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Pahang State Forestry Department.
According to him, Operation Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) found seven local parrots, parrots, serindits and pulings kept in the toilet of the house.
“It is estimated that the bird is worth RM20,000.
“A 45-year-old local man who is also active in selling birds has been arrested for failing to show documents for keeping the wildlife involved,” he told Sinar Harian on Friday.
He said, the investigation found that the suspect rented the house which is located in the Orang Asli village.
He said, the birds involved are also believed to be for the market based on requests from buyers.
“However, the investigation is still ongoing whether the sales activity was done online or face-to-face.
“We also do not rule out the possibility of the suspect renting a house in the Orang Asli village area to conceal himself and avoid being detected by law enforcement,” he said.
He added that all the confiscated items were taken to the Rompin District Security Department Office, Pahang for investigation and further action.
“The case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [Act 716],” he stressed.
