Police seize 376kg of pangolin scales worth RM376,200 in Negeri Sembilan

Picture for illustrative purposes only. In a statement yesterday, Bukit Aman WCB/PSK JKDNKA Commander SAC Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said police found 15 boxes of pangolin scales during a search of the premises, suspected to be linked to the storage and distribution of products derived from protected wildlife. — Social media pic

First Published: Thursday, 29 Oct 2026 9:13 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — Police detained three local men and seized 376.2kg of pangolin scales worth an estimated RM376,200 in an integrated operation at a premises in Negeri Sembilan on Tuesday.

The operation, which began at 12.30pm, was carried out by the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence Division (WCB/PSK) of Bukit Aman’s Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA), in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), under Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK).

In a statement yesterday, Bukit Aman WCB/PSK JKDNKA Commander SAC Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said police found 15 boxes of pangolin scales during a search of the premises, suspected to be linked to the storage and distribution of products derived from protected wildlife.

“Other items seized during the operation included nine mobile phones of various brands, a weighing scale and a padlock.

“The total value of the seizure, including other items, is estimated at RM401,700,” he said, adding that police took all suspects and seized items to the Nilai District Police Headquarters before handing them over to Perhilitan investigators for further action.

Mohd Zaki said the case was being investigated under Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), relating to offences involving wildlife, its parts or derivatives.

“This large-scale seizure underscores the importance of continued intelligence and enforcement operations to combat networks involved in storing, collecting and distributing products derived from wildlife,” he said.

Mohd Zaki said the division had carried out 288 raids nationwide between Jan 1 and today, involving various offences, including wildlife smuggling, untaxed goods, leakage of controlled and subsidised goods, and e-waste-related activities that resulted in 471 arrests, with the total value of seizures estimated at RM350.35 million.

He said 66 cases were recorded this year, involving 74 arrests and seizures worth an estimated RM99.70 million under the OBK. — Bernama