Animal parts and wildlife seized

CHERAS: Protected animal parts and wildlife worth RM1mil were seized in two raids by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan).

“The seized items include teeth and nails of bears and tigers which have an estimated value of RM1mil,” Perhilitan enforcement division director Salman Saaban told a press conference yesterday.

The first raid conducted by Perhilitan Perak on Aug 26 saw the seizure of 188 bears’ nails, 21 bears’ teeth, 17 tigers’ nails, eight tigers’ teeth and a deer antler among others.

Salman said the items were found in a fourwheel drive vehicle driven by a Vietnamese, in an Orang Asli settlement in Legap, Sungai Siput, Perak.

The Vietnamese man, who has a work permit, was remanded under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and charged in court.

“We believe he is not acting alone. There could be a syndicate involving locals. We are investigating previous cases that might be linked to this case,” he added.

The second raid was conducted by Perhilitan Kelantan on Sept 6 at a premises in Kampung Terap Banggu, Kota Baru, after the department received a tip-off.

Salman said 1,433 tortoises of various species, 86 iguanas and 300 snakes were found in 60 boxes but no one was arrested.

He said the department believed the seized items were to be smuggled overseas.