RAWANG: The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) seized 40 white-rumped shamas worth RM1mil at a supermarket parking lot here on Sunday (Aug 11).
According to a Sinar Harian report, each bird is worth approximately RM25,000.
The report said the endangered species was brought there for a competition on that day.
Perhilitan Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the department conducted Ops Bersepadu Khazanah with the police at 10am.
He said the operations team had found the birds in cages hanging from the parking lot’s roof. They later found a 51-year-old local man who is believed to be the competition's organiser.
“A total of 22 individuals believed to be owners of the bird had come forward,” he said.
Abdul Kadir added that the birds and 40 cages, estimated to be worth RM240,000, were taken to the Gombak district police station along with the arrested individuals. The matter will be investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010(Act 716).
He said the 22 individuals involved were released on RM10,000 bail with one surety.
“Any individuals involved in illegal hunting, encroachment or any other offences related to wildlife will face legal action,” he said.
“Complaints or information regarding wildlife can be reported to Perhilitian via the 1-800-88-5151 hotline or its website www.wildlife.gov.my,” he said.
