KUCHING: The Sarawak Brigade of the General Operations Force (PGA) has recorded a significant success through its ongoing operations against illegal activities across the state.
Deputy Commander of the Sarawak Brigade, ACP Rosdi Inai, disclosed that from 1 January to 19 May 2025, Operation Taring (Op Taring) led by the Sarawak PGA Brigade resulted in 179 cases, 283 arrests comprising 211 locals and 72 foreigners and the seizure of 175 vehicles of various types. The estimated value of these combined successes amounted to RM236 million.
In a more recent development, eight separate successful raids under Op Bersepadu Khazanah, Op Taring Libas, and Op Taring Awas/Batas yielded a combined seizure worth RM1,841,851.
On 15 May, at around 11.00 am, a police team from the 23rd Battalion of the Sri Aman PGA raided a location in the Sri Aman district suspected of being used for illegal timber processing. The team found 451 logs, a wood storage facility, and three wood processing machines. The estimated market value of the seizure was RM1,070,500. The case was handed over to the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (PUSAKA) for investigation under Section 5A(1) of the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation Ordinance 1973.
That same evening, at 7.30 pm, another team from the same battalion raided a house in Tebedu village, Serian. One local man, aged 59, was arrested after officers discovered 1,000 cartons of untaxed white cigarettes hidden in boxes. The seizure, worth RM340,000, was handed to the Serian District Police for action under Section 135(1)(D) of the Customs Act 1967.
On 13 May, the PGA Intelligence Branch, in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, raided a house in Bau district. A local woman, aged 42, was arrested for illegally keeping 15 birds and eight turtles of protected species. The animals, valued at RM112,885, were seized under Section 29 of the Wildlife Ordinance 1998.
In another case on 14 May, a joint raid by the 11th Battalion and the Forestry Corporation in Kuching led to the arrest of a 57-year-old man and the seizure of 36 birds and 40 turtles, all protected species. The seizure was valued at RM79,450, with investigations under Sections 29(2) and 33(1) of the Wildlife Ordinance 1998.
Also on 14 May, in Miri district, a 74-year-old man was arrested for possessing seven protected birds. The seizure was valued at RM27,800. The case is being handled under Section 29(2) of the Wildlife Ordinance 1998.
On the same day in Sibu, another man, aged 36, was arrested with seven protected squirrels and an iron cage used to confine them. The seizure, valued at RM15,000, was investigated under Section 29(2) of the Wildlife Ordinance 1998.
On 15 May, a man aged 62 was caught in Sri Aman with nine sambar deer antlers, which are also protected wildlife. The seizure, worth RM9,000, was referred to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation under Section 29 of the Wildlife Ordinance 1998.
In the final reported case, on 18 May, a 57-year-old man was arrested during a roadside inspection in Lundu district. Police discovered 133 drums containing 1,330 litres of petrol, believed to be transported without a valid permit. The seizure, including a three-tonne Hino lorry, was valued at RM187,216. The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Supply Control Act 1961 by the Ministry of Domestic Trade (KPDN Sarawak).
ACP Rosdi reaffirmed the PGA’s commitment to eradicating illegal activities across Sarawak and said efforts will be continued aggressively to protect the state’s resources and uphold the law.
By Connie Chieng