KUCHING: No license has been issued to the captors who have kept two long-tailed macaques in a residential area in Taman Tunku, Miri here recently, which meant that they have been kept illegally.
A joint press statement by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd (SFCSB) said upon receiving complaints on last Friday (Feb 1), FDS and SFCSB immediately took action by rescuing the animals and beginning investigations.
“FDS and SFCSB are guided by the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in handling live animals,” it said in the statement.
It said that illegally kept animals will be confiscated and investigations will be conducted immediately.
“If the animals were legally kept with a licence issued by the Controller of Wildlife, the officers will check accordingly and ensure it is fully complied with.
“Failing to do so, the owner will be given a warning to improve the living condition of the animals,” it stressed.
It is said that for recently captured animals, they may be released back into the wild. However, if they are unfit, then it will be transferred to the Matang Wildlife Centre for safekeeping or rehabilitation.
Days after last Sunday (Feb 3), there have also been information about the sale of live terrapins, tortoises, squirrels, reptiles and monkeys.
In response to the seriousness of the matter, FDS and SFCSB along with other relevant agencies have continuously monitored and conducted awareness programmes at hot spots identified for the selling of wildlife in the state.
“These hot spots include ‘tamus’, night markets, wet markets and entry points.
“We will continue our enforcement efforts in collaboration with other agencies particularly the local councils, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Customs), the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), Honorary Wild Life Rangers and airport security,” it pointed out.
To further curb illegal wildlife trade, several warning signage on the ban of wildlife meat will be put in place at strategic locations.
FDS and SFCSB also urged to public to inform the authorities if they know of any activities involving illegal wildlife activities, as public inputs and participation is crucial in combating the problem of wildlife trade.
“The authority is always looking to improve its processes and with every incident like this, there will be studies to determine how we can improve our service delivery.”
