Tumpat: Marine Police Force (PPM) Region Three seized 21 White-Rumped Shama (murai batu) birds worth an estimated RM133,700 in a joint operation with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) in Tumpat yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Acting PPM Region Three commander Supt Ahmad Shafiki Hussin stated that the 11 am raid was conducted during an inter-agency operation based on public information. This led to the discovery of 21 caged White-Rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus) at a residential premises.

A 36-year-old local man, who claimed ownership of the birds, was arrested after failing to produce a valid licence. This species is protected under the First Schedule of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Amendment) 2022.

The case has been referred to Perhilitan Kelantan for further investigation and action under existing laws.

Ahmad Shafiki urged the public to channel any information to assist authorities in combating cross-border crimes and security threats via 09-5137726 or gerakanw3gmail.com, assuring full confidentiality of informants' identities.