Three protected animals seized in Malang

Three protected animals seized in Malang

Surabaya, East Java: The local forestry ministry office seized three rare animals in Malang on Friday in a joint crackdown between the ministry, local police and the prosecutor's office on illegal trade of protected species.

Rosek Nursahid, director of the local natural resources conservation center, said he and his team seized two orangutans or Pongo pygmaeus and a siamang or Hylobates syndactilus from Nur Hasyim who is alleged to have raised protected animals for years.

"According to the 1999 law on conservation, Nur Hasyim will face a five-year prison sentence or a maximum fine of Rp 100 million," he said.

He said the raid was launched after receiving reports that protected animals were being traded in the city.

The animals will be returned to their native habitat in East Kalimantan, he added. --Antara