SIBU – Enforcement officers have seized 1.8 tonnes of dried sea cucumbers in what is believed to be the largest confiscation of its kind in Sarawak to date.
The operation was carried out on 20 April 2026 under the Khazanah Integrated Operation, involving personnel from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
The seizure was made after investigators suspected that the consignment had exceeded the approved permit limit, contravening the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. The confiscated marine products are now subject to further investigation.
SFC stressed that strict adherence to permit conditions is essential to ensure sustainable and effective management of wildlife resources.
The corporation reiterated that enforcement action will continue against parties who fail to comply with regulations.
Several species of sea cucumber are listed under CITES Appendix II and protected by the Wildlife Protection Ordinance, including Holothuria fuscogilva (white teatfish), Holothuria nobilis (black teatfish), Holothuria whitmaei (black teatfish) and Holothuria lessoni (sandfish).
These species have been targeted due to high international demand, particularly for dried products used in food and traditional medicine.
Sea cucumbers are considered ecologically vital, often described as “ecosystem engineers”. They recycle nutrients, improve sediment quality and help maintain the balance of seabed habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Conservationists warn that overexploitation could disrupt marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
The combination of high market value, slow reproduction rates and critical ecological importance has made sea cucumbers vulnerable to unsustainable harvesting.
This has led to their inclusion under international trade controls and local protection laws to safeguard long-term marine sustainability.
Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving wildlife to help strengthen conservation and enforcement efforts.
The seizure in Sibu underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation in protecting Sarawak’s marine resources.
