Attempts to smuggle out protected pitcher plants thwarted

TEBEDU: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed there had been attempts by foreigners to ‘steal’ pitcher plants from a national park here.

He said the incident happened a few days ago at Kubah National Park, Matang where four foreigners were detained after they were found bringing out many plastic bags containing pitcher plants harvested from the area.

The foreigners were believed trying to smuggle out the pitcher plants which is a protected species in the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance.

“I am not too sure whether the Sarawak Forestry Corporation is aware about this, but this is something which is very serious. I am taking a very serious view into this kind of thing, because I do not want to see our natural treasures are taken away by foreigners.

“Just like how people used to trade and sell gold for money, nowadays people sell natural treasures such as rare and protected plants and animals which also fetch high price in the black market nowadays,” he said at the official opening of KLB Garden here yesterday.

The ceremony was officiated by Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, who is also Tebedu assemblyman.

Abdul Karim added that Sarawak is rich with flora and fauna and all Sarawakians should play their part in conserving them.

“We should protect these natural treasures of ours, and we should not let it be stolen or disappear.”

He pointed out that Sarawak’s many natural treasures and diverse cultures are strong points to sell Sarawak to tourists.

“We cannot sell Sarawak as shopper’s paradise like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong, but we sell nature and adventure as our tourism products. With good promotions so far, we have been able to increase tourist arrivals in Sarawak,” he said.