Rare animals rescued in three states, five traffickers nabbed

PUTRAJAYA: Five animal traffickers were put out of business and nearly 20 different species of rare animals, including a tiger cub, a bear cat and a dwarf caiman, rescued in a wildlife operation in three states.

The 32 animals rescued in the operation are worth an estimated half a million ringgit and included birds, turtles and squirrels.

The catch was made by the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) during Ops Taring in Kedah, Kelantan, Selangor and KLIA on Wednesday.

The operation was the result of monitoring of the sale of the wildlife online and the raids were carried by 25 Perhilitan enforcers.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said Thursday the animals will have their DNA tested to find the most suitable habitat for them.

The next course of action will be decided by Perhilitan.