Over 1,200 turtle eggs confiscated in Serikin
September 10, 2010, Friday
KUCHING: Over 1,200 turtle eggs were confiscated in Serikin after a successful joint operation by Sarawak Forestry Corporation and police’s General Operations Force (GOF) to crack down what was termed as ‘pre Hari-Raya illegal wildlife trade’.
It was also said to be the second largest seizure in the history of Sarawak Forestry.
A statement released here yesterday said the turtle eggs were seized when Sarawak Forestry and GOF swept through the border post of Serikin as well as Lachau bazaar last weekend.
The joint operations involved three officers from Sarawak Forestry and assisted by six GOF members from Battalion 11, Batu Kawa Kuching.
Also confiscated were totally protected and protected animals including python, tortoise, soft shell turtles and squirrels.
State’s Wildlife Controller Datu Len Talif Salleh, in his comments in the statement, commended the bravery of the joint team for the success of the operations.
“I applaud the efforts by Sarawak Forestry and the Police Department. The seizure of 1,200 turtle eggs in Serikin is the second largest seizure in the history of Sarawak Forestry. We will continue to work with Police Department and other relevant agencies to curb illegal wildlife trade in Sarawak.
“This will be an ongoing exercise and we are aware of these illegal activities ‘hotspots’ which we are continually monitoring.
“Our policy is to pro-act rather than react,” he said.
Len Talif, who is also Sarawak Forestry managing director and chief executive officer, warned the illegal wildlife traders that the government will not condone any wildlife violation.
“We are going to enforce the laws strictly to ensure the survival of our wildlife for our future generations”.
He also assured that several approaches are being studied to protect the State’s natural resources, especially along the borders.
“Sarawak Forestry is multiplying the efforts to combat these illegal acts by irresponsible traders and perpetrators,” he added.
On a related matter, he called on the public to assist Sarawak Forestry in its efforts to protect and conserve Sarawak’s biodiversity wealth.
“We cannot do this job alone and in isolation, and as such we welcome any support, information and assistance especially from the general public in effectively carrying out our duties,” said Len Talif who also holds the posts of Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Planning and Resource Management and Director of Forests.
It was also mentioned in the statement that Sarawak Forestry is responsible for enforcing the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998, Forest Ordinance 1998 and National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998.
To report any illegal logging or wildlife trade, it said the public can call the following hotline numbers 019-8859996 for Kuching, 019-8290994 (Miri), 019-8266096 (Bintulu) and 019-8290992 (Sibu).
