JOHOR BAHRU – A tightly sealed container with ventilation holes placed inside a car driven by a man near the edge of a forest close to Bandar Seri Alam led to the discovery of a Malayan sun bear on Wednesday.
The operation was carried out by the police through the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) Bukit Aman, in collaboration with the Johor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) at about 12.35pm.
FRU Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Rosli Yusof said the driver of the Perodua Myvi, a 22-year-old local man, was arrested.
He said checks revealed the suspect failed to produce any licence or written permission to keep or possess the animal.
“The estimated value of the seizure is RM70,057, including the vehicle, personal belongings and the sun bear,” he said, adding that the integrated operation reflects the police’s strong commitment, especially the FRU, in combating illegal activities involving wildlife.
He added that the sun bear is a protected species and continuous efforts must be made to rescue wildlife from becoming victims of the illegal trade.
He stressed that close cooperation with Johor Perhilitan demonstrates the effectiveness of both intra- and inter-agency approaches in intensifying intelligence gathering and joint operations to ensure laws are upheld and the nation’s natural heritage is safeguarded.
“This is to ensure that future generations do not lose such precious natural treasures.
“Members of the public are urged to provide information to the authorities if they know of any smuggling or illegal possession of wildlife without a permit,” he said.
The case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).