Over 100 birds of different species seized from Kluang house

Filepix of the Burung Murai Batu

JOHOR BARU: Hundreds of birds of different species were seized from a house in Jalan Station, Kluang, on Tuesday.

The raid by the Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) was part of operations carried out by Malaysia and Singapore against the smuggling of birds and puppies.

The birds seized include Burung Musai Batu, Electus Parrot, Grey Parrot, Love Birds, Ringlet Paraleet, Plum Headed Parakeet and Green Cheked Conure.

Johor Perhilitan director Jamalun Nasir Ibrahim said in the raid in Kluang, a man, believed to be the owner of the three-storey house, was arrested.

“We believe that this house was used as a store before the birds were sent to neighbouring countries," he said, adding that the birds were all kept on the top floor to avoid detection.

The 136 birds that were recovered are worth RM180,000.

Nasir said all the birds were believed to be from Pahang while the Parrot species were from a neighbouring country.

"This suspect is believed to be involved in bird smuggling especially the Burung Murai Batu," Nasir said, adding that the suspect has been trying to hide his activities behind a permit applied to Perhilitan for commercial breeding of birds.

In the other case, Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officials stopped a Malaysian-registered car driven by a Malaysian and seized six puppies hidden in the car at the Woodlands checkpoint several days ago.

The officers found the puppies hidden inside a modified compartment in the rear passenger seat of the car.

A 43-year-old man has been detained for investigations.

The importation of any animal of live birds without a Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) permit is illegal and carries a maximum penalty of S$10,000 RM30,000 or one year imprisonment.