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PENAMPANG: Twenty-two birds believed to be White-rumped Shamas were seized during an integrated operation at a business premises in Penampang on May 12, according to Sabah Wildlife director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar on Wednesday.

He said the Sabah Wildlife Department, together with the Royal Malaysia Police through the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) Bukit Aman, carried out the Op Bersepadu Khazanah following intelligence gathered from enforcement operations.

He said inspections at the premises led to the discovery of the birds kept in cages of various types and sizes without valid permits or licences issued by the Sabah Wildlife Department, while two cages and related equipment were also seized.

A 55-year-old local man was detained to assist investigations under Section 41(2) of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 for allegedly possessing protected wildlife without valid authorisation.

Mohd Soffian said offenders convicted under the provision may face a fine of between RM30,000 and RM100,000, imprisonment of between six months and five years, or both, while urging the public to channel information on wildlife-related crimes to the department.