An alleged wildlife smuggler’s attempt to sneak four rare exotic birds worth more than RM100,000 into Malaysia was foiled after authorities intercepted the operation at an illegal jetty along the Sungai Golok border.
The dramatic bust took place at the notorious Kak Nah illegal landing point at around 7pm, when General Operations Force (PGA) personnel spotted a suspect unloading several cages from a boat.
Upon realising the presence of security personnel, the suspect immediately abandoned the operation and fled across the river towards the Thai border by boat, escaping arrest.
Southeast Brigade PGA commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said officers conducted a search of the area and discovered four exotic birds hidden inside plastic cages.
“Two of the birds were identified as blue-and-yellow macaws, while the other two were Amazon parrots believed to have been smuggled from Thailand,” he said.
Authorities believe the birds were brought into the country without valid permits and were intended for sale on the local black market, where demand for rare and exotic wildlife remains high.
The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by enforcement agencies to crack down on wildlife trafficking activities along Malaysia’s northern border, a route often exploited by smugglers due to its proximity to Thailand.
All four birds have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action and assessment.
The case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), with efforts underway to track down the suspect involved in the smuggling attempt.
Officials have reiterated that illegal wildlife trafficking remains a serious offence and warned that those caught violating conservation laws face severe penalties under Malaysian law.
