Xavier: Six Cambodian poachers caught red-handed in Hulu Terengganu

Six Cambodian suspected of poaching were successfully captured in the Tembat Forest Reserve, Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu on Saturday, revealed Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jeyakumar.

The arrests were a result of a joint operation involving members of the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), the North Brigade of the police's General Operations Force (GOF) and NGOs, under the Ops Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK).

"The intruders were found with items that included a tortoise shell and others believed to be ivory, feathers, a wild boar tusk and horns of other wildlife," said Xavier in a statement today.

"Also seized were some items and equipment believed to be used to harvest agarwood trees (gaharu) such as axes, machetes and excavators."

This is aside from some harvested agarwood itself.

Xavier (below) said that the wildlife cases would be investigated under Sections 60 and 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, while the suspected agarwood infractions would be investigated under the National Forestry Act 1984 (Amendment 1993).

He highlighted that the arrests marked the sixth successful joint operation under the OPK.

"This includes the nabbing of two Thai suspected poachers on Sept 10 at the Royal Belum State Park, Perak and the capture of 29 offenders including one local, six Bangladeshis, two Indonesians, six Myanmar nationals and 14 China nationals on Oct11, 2019 at Felcra Sg Temau, Kuala Lipis, Pahang," he added.

Other successful operations took place at Gerik, Perak and the Endau Rompin National Park, Johor.

The OBK was launched on Sept 3.

Xavier hailed the joint operations' work in combat and eradicating crime against wildlife in the country.

His ministry thanked the police and issued a warning to poachers that they would face serious legal action if caught.

"It is hoped that the public will continue to provide support and help with the eyes and ears of the Forestry Department and Royal Malaysian Police to assist with this OBK program through the dissemination of information in order to protect the country's national treasures," he said.

Those with information can contact the Perhilitan hotline at 1-800-88-5151 or use the e-complaint system at www.wildlife.gov.my. - Mkini