Perhilitan Records Over RM390 Mln Worth Of Seizures Via OBK Since 2019

PUTRAJAYA, April 25 (Bernama) -- The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) recorded an estimated RM398.6 million in the total value of seizures through the Khazanah Integrated Operations (OBK) carried out from 2019 to 2025.

In a statement today, it said that the figure included the destruction of 2,838 wildlife traps and 874 illegal campsite sites.

"Throughout the implementation period of OBK from 2019 to 2025, a total of 834 investigation papers were opened with the Perhilitan,

OBK is a strategic government initiative to combat crimes related to forest encroachment, illegal logging, theft of national forest resources and wildlife poaching.

The implementation of OBK is also in line with the provisions under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and related laws.

Taking the examples of several cases resolved by the department, it said that on April 4, a smuggling activity involving Vietnamese nationals was successfully thwarted with the seizure of wildlife parts and organs, including those of tigers, bears, pythons and primates, estimated to be worth RM36.8 million.

"In addition, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation and the police also successfully foiled an attempt in January to smuggle 10 containers of rattan, worth RM2.5 million, which were believed to have been brought in from Kalimantan for export abroad," said Perhilitan.

According to Perhilitan, all these successes were the result of high commitment and close cooperation among all agencies, and this integrated approach is believed to have a significant impact and to send a clear message that Malaysia will not compromise on any form of crime that threatens the nation's treasures.

"The Malaysian government takes a serious stance on illegal hunting of wildlife and the encroachment of protected areas, and strict legal action will be taken against any party involved in accordance with the applicable legal provisions," said Perhilitan.

In this regard, the public is urged to play a role by providing information related to wildlife crimes. Complaints can be channelled via the hotline 1-800-88-5151 or the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) on the official website www.wildlife.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA