Marine police, Perhilitan seize RM700,000 worth of protected birds in Terengganu

On September 29, the Kuala Terengganu Region Three Marine Police Force (PPM) and the Terengganu Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) conducted a joint operation near Kampung Binjai Manis, Manir, resulting in the seizure of over 50 protected birds and 60 cages valued at RM709,950. Commander ACP Mohd Khairuddin Jamal of the PPM Region Three confirmed that all the birds seized were protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).

Among the birds, 38 were identified as red-whiskered bulbuls, nine as banded pittas, and two as white-rumped shamas. Additionally, other protected species like greater leafbirds, orange-bellied flowerpeckers, yellow-bellied sunbirds were also found. Sixty cages were seized as part of the operation. Six houses were inspected, and a 23-year-old man and two women aged between 23 and 46 were arrested on suspicion of keeping wildlife without a Perhilitan license.

Both the detainees and the seized birds were transported to the Kuala Terengganu Police Station for further examination under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, including Sections 60(1)(A) and 68(1)(A). The operation was carried out by personnel from the Kuala Terengganu and Tasik Kenyir sectors of the Marine Police Force, along with 14 officers from the Terengganu Perhilitan department.