MIRI: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has seized two endangered parrot species that were allegedly used as part of a fortune telling gimmick here.
The pet owner, when demanded by the SFC enforcement team, failed to produce any permits or licences for possessing the birds.
The parrots were later taken to the Piasau Nature Reserve for further physical and health examination.
SFC, in a press statement issued yesterday, said its enforcement team conducted the raid after a public tip-off and viral images on social media of the illegal possession and misuse of protected wildlife.
A report on the raid was lodged at a nearby police station.
SFC chief operating officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton said pet owners must apply for permits or licences from the Controller of Wildlife.
“Pet owners must seek verification on the origin of the animals as keeping protected species can lead to a one-year imprisonment and RM10,000 fine.
“Keeping totally protected wildlife in Sarawak can lead to a maximum fine of RM50,000 and five years’ jail.”
He said wild animals were best left undisturbed in the wild as part of the forest communities.
In the press statement, SFC thanked members of the public who have assisted the authorities in curtailing illegal wildlife trading as well as illegal logging in Sarawak.
SFC urges those with information on similar illegal activities to call its hotlines, namely 016-8565564/019-8859996 (Kuching); 019-8224566/019-8290994 (Miri); 019-8223449/019-8332737 (Bintulu) and 019-8190140/019-8894474 (Sibu).
