Eight Myanmar nationals arrested in wildlife raid at durian plantation in Kuala Krai

A GROUP of Myanmar nationals, including two women, has been detained following a joint enforcement operation targeting suspected wildlife poaching activities at a 24-hectare durian plantation in Kampung Mia, Kuala Krai.

The operation, conducted under Ops Bersepadu Khazanah, was carried out by the Kuala Krai district police headquarters in cooperation with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN) following public tip-offs.

Kuala Krai district police chief Superintendent Mazlan Mamat said the raid began at midnight and concluded at 6am, during which officers also discovered two infants — a baby boy and a baby girl — found among the group detained at the location.

Authorities further seized a pneumatic rifle and two spears, believed to have been used for illegal hunting activities.

“During the inspection, officers also discovered six units suspected to be wildlife claws, 12 units suspected to be wildlife tusks, seven units suspected to be wildlife bones, six units suspected to be parts of wildlife, as well as a container holding meat believed to be from wildlife,” he said in a statement.

Investigators believe the seized items include animal claws, tusks, bones, body parts and meat suspected to be derived from protected wildlife species.

Mazlan said the case is being investigated under multiple legal provisions, including Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, Section 7(1) of the Symbols and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1958, and the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).

He added that the success of the operation reflected strong cooperation between police and PERHILITAN, as well as the importance of public intelligence in combating illegal hunting and the possession of protected wildlife parts.

Mazlan said firm action would continue to be taken against those involved in wildlife-related offences, while urging the public to continue providing information to authorities to help preserve the country’s natural heritage and biodiversity. - June 10, 2026