Some 18 birds listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) were seized during an inspection by a team from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Perak at a house in Taman Shatin, Ipoh.
According to the director of DWNP Perak, Yusoff Shariff, the owner of the house, a 27-year-old Indian man, was also arrested during the inspection at around 1.15pm yesterday (March 31), for lack of verification documents by the department monitoring possession of wildlife animals.
“He was brought to the Ipoh District Police Headquarters and we’ve lodged a report on the matter for further investigation. The man was released on a police bail at 5pm on the same day. Inspection was manned by the chief of enforcement unit for DWNP Perak, Jose Ampiu.
“The case is being investigated under Section 60(1)(a) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), whereby if found guilty, the man will be subject to punishment of a fine of up to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.”
He said so during a media session at the DWNP office in Bangunan Persekutuan (Federal Building) near Greentown earlier today (April 1).
The birds comprise species of the blue-and-gold macaw (2), Tiong Mas (hill myna) (2), sun conure (parakeet) (2), sulphur-crested cockatoo (2), African grey parrot (2), Murai Batu (white-rumped shama) (6), a Fischer’s lovebird and a red-and-green macaw.
“We suspect that the man is involved in illegal businesses involving the selling of these birds. Overall, the birds are worth around RM65,000, with the blue-and-gold macaw being the most-valued species, at around RM5,000.
“We thank the public for their continuous contribution of information. However, those who wish to own any wildlife species are strictly advised to obtain a proper licence to prevent further actions by the law,” Yusoff reminded.
Chris Teh
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