Catharine Goh Brunei Direct 25 Dec 10;
Bandar Seri Begawan - The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) it collaboration with the General Operations Fore( (GOF) from the Police Department, swept through Serikin and Pasar Lacau recently, confiscating over 1,200 turtles eggs and some totally protected an protected animals including python, tortoise, soft shell turtles and squirrels.
These joint operations consist of three officers from Sarawak Forestry Corporation's enforcement team and being assisted by six GOF members from 11th Battalion, Batu Kawa Kuching.
The recent operations were carried out at Serikin Market near Bau and Pasar Lacau near Sri Aman respectively.
Datu Haji Len Talif Salleh, the Controller of Wild Life, commended the bravery of the joint team for the success of the operations.
"I applaud the efforts by Sarawak Forestry Corporation and the Police Department, especially as the seizure of 1,200 turtle eggs in Serikin is the second largest seizure in the history of Sarawak Forestry Corporation," he said, adding that SFC would continue to work with Police Department and other relevant agencies to curb illegal wildlife trade in Sarawak.
"This will be an ongoing exercise and we are aware of these illegal activity `hotspots' which we are continually monitoring. Our policy is to pro-act rather than react," added Len Talif, who is also the Managing Director and CEO of Sarawak Forestry.
He warned the illegal wildlife traders that the government will not condone any wildlife violation.
"We are going to enforce the laws strictly to ensure the survival of our wildlife for our future generations," he stressed.
Len Talif also assured that several approaches are being studied to protect the State's natural resources, especially along the borders.
"Sarawak Forestry Corporation is multiplying the efforts to combat these illicit acts by irresponsible traders and perpetrators," added Len Talif.
Len also called on the public to assist Sarawak Forestry Corporation in its efforts to protect and conserve Sarawak's biodiversity wealth. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
