SIBU: A total of 1.8 tonnes of dried sea cucumber were seized in an integrated operation here. Dried sea cucumbers are marine species protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.
The operation involved Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Enforcement and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). SFC stated on Wednesday (Apr 22) that the items were seized for further investigation after being suspected of violating approved permit conditions.
The seizure was the largest recorded to date.
"SFC emphasizes that compliance with permit conditions is vital to ensure wildlife resource management is sustainable and effective. Strict action will continue against any party failing to comply with regulations," it warned.
Several sea cucumber species are listed under CITES Appendix II and protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, including white teatfish, black teatfish, and sandfish.
"This listing follows high global exploitation pressure due to international demand, as sea cucumbers are high-value commodities for food and traditional medicine. Ecologically, they act as 'ecosystem engineers' that recycle nutrients and maintain seabed habitats like coral reefs. Loss of these species could affect the entire marine ecosystem," SFC said.
The corporation added that the species' high economic value, slow reproduction, and ecological importance require strict control to ensure long-term sustainability. The public is urged to report suspicious wildlife activities to the authorities to aid conservation and enforcement efforts.
