A woman known as "Mak Burung" (Mama Bird) for keeping various species of birds in Bau, near Kuching, was arrested by a Sarawak General Operations Force team yesterday for illegal possession of 79 protected animals.

Its commander, SAC Khaw Kok Chin, today said the 37-year-old woman was keeping the animals without valid documents.

She was detained at her residence in Jalan Krokong, Bau at 4.49pm in an operation called "Ops Bersepadu Khazanah".

Also taking part in the operation were officers from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

“Upon inspecting the premises, the PGA team found eight bird pens containing 50 birds of different species, besides two ducks, 11 (exotic) chickens and 16 tortoises which are protected and totally protected species," he said at a press conference in Kuching.

“The woman was arrested after she failed to show any valid documents to own the protected animals which were seized, which are estimated to be worth more than RM90,000.” 

Khaw said the animals were handed over to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

The case will be investigated under Section 29(1) of the Sarawak Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, which provides a fine not exceeding RM25,000 or a jail term of up to two years, upon conviction. — Bernama