SIBU: Five women were among 27 people arrested for illegal swiftlet farming.
Sibu Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said swiftlet nests worth RM46,670 were seized from them in 28 raids conducted over two days around shop premises in Tanjung Manis.
The raids were carried out as part of Op Bersepadu Khazanah last Wednesday and Thursday.
The operation was carried out by a team of the Sibu Region 5 Marine Police together with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Sibu, Matu Daro District Council, Mukah Division Land and Survey Department, Tanjung Manis Fire and Rescue Department and Sarawak Energy Berhad.
“The suspects comprised 22 local men and five local women, aged between 20 and 81, who were caretakers of the premises.
“On both days of the raid, a total of 324 swiftlet nests, some audio equipment and accessories to attract swiftlets were also seized,” he said in a statement Saturday (Feb 11).
Zulkipli said all the suspects failed to show a valid permit or licence from the Wildlife Controller to carry out swiftlet farming activities.
The case has been handed over to the SFC for further action.
