Two foreigners remanded for allegedly taking plant specimens without permission from Santubong National Park

KUCHING, Sept 6 — Two foreign nationals have been remanded for allegedly taking plant specimens without permission from Santubong National Park last Thursday.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said both individuals were remanded for three days, from September 4 to September 7, to assist with the investigation.

“On September 3 at around 1.50pm, the two individuals were checking out of the park after conducting an activity in the area. Following observations, they were suspected of taking and collecting plant specimens from the area.

“Inspections revealed four transparent plastic bags filled with plant specimens, believed to have been taken from the national park. Two backpacks and other items were also seized for further investigation,” SFC said in a statement

All specimens have been recorded and retained as case exhibits, and are currently undergoing identification and further examination to determine their type and species status.

SFC is working with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to complete the investigation and any subsequent action.

The investigation also takes into account the provisions under the National Parks & Nature Reserves Ordinance, 1998 [Cap. 27], which prohibits the taking or removal of plants from national park areas without permission from the controller of national parks and nature reserves.

Under Section 26 of the said Ordinance, no person is allowed to take or destroy plants within a national park, or to remove any plant, whether living or dead, without the controller’s permission

“SFC takes a serious view of any activity involving the taking, collecting, or removal of biological resources from Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) without permission. Such activities may impact the integrity of biodiversity and the long-term conservation efforts of Sarawak.

“Members of the public and visitors are reminded that all flora, fauna, and natural resources within national park areas are protected and must not be taken, removed, or carried out without valid authorisation,” SFC said. — The Borneo Post