Sarawak: The integrated Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) in Sarawak marked a major success with the seizure of assets valued at RM81.8 million, involving the illegal trade of bird's nests during operations conducted from June 1 to 16.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri announced that six individuals were apprehended in 10 raids, which effectively disrupted the illegal processing and commercial trade of bird's nests in the Kuching area. These suspects have been handed over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) for further action, as they are suspected of engaging in activities such as harvesting, collecting, selling, and possessing bird's nests without a valid license issued by the Controller of Wildlife.

The case is currently being investigated under Sections 33(1) and 33(2) of the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, with the seizures falling under Section 48(1) of the same ordinance, as stated by Mohd Yusri at a press conference held at the General Operations Force (GOF) Sarawak Brigade headquarters.

Mohd Yusri further reported that, during the same period, OBK operations nationwide led to the opening of 70 investigation papers and the arrest of 62 individuals, with the total value of seized assets estimated at RM98.4 million. The operation led to the confiscation of 16,367 kilograms of bird's nests, and other items including 223 birds of various species, eight eagles, two pangolins, 790 turtle eggs, 4,238 tortoises of various species, 218 axolotl salamanders, 116 exotic fish, 959 fighting cocks, 1,673 logs, 7,600 saplings of various species, 14 animal microchips, and nine mammals of various species.

Throughout the operation, the police successfully executed a series of raids at strategic locations, including storage facilities, residential premises, logistics vehicles, and distribution networks believed to be used by the perpetrators.