Three Arrested, Six Protected Birds Worth RM33,000 Seized in Joint Raid

Three men were arrested and six protected birds worth an estimated RM33,000 were seized during a joint wildlife enforcement operation in the Klang Valley.

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Peninsular Malaysia said the arrests were made during Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah, a coordinated crackdown on wildlife crime involving multiple enforcement agencies. NST reported the operation took place on 12 August in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor during the Southern Zone leg of the initiative.

The operation, involving personnel from the Central Brigade General Operations Force, uncovered three separate cases of suspected wildlife crime. According to The Star, the joint effort between Perhilitan and the Royal Malaysia Police targeted locations across the two states.

Among the seized items were five Sun Conures, one Stripe-throated Bulbul, and four cages. Sun Conures are small, brightly coloured parrots native to South America that are popular in the illegal pet trade. The Stripe-throated Bulbul, a songbird found across Southeast Asia, is protected under Malaysia’s Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. Possessing or trading protected wildlife without a valid permit is an offence under the Act.

Authorities also confiscated an Indonesian travel document and a mobile phone to assist the investigation. NST reported the three suspects comprised two local men and an Indonesian national. All three suspects, together with the seized items, were taken to Perhilitan headquarters for further action.

The case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. Perhilitan said it would continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police and related enforcement agencies to combat wildlife crime and protect the country’s biodiversity.