Authorities seize record 1.8 tonnes of dried sea cucumbers in Sibu over permit breach

Enforcement officers in a photo with the dried sea cucumbers seizure in Sibu on April 20, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

SIBU, April 23: : Authorities have recorded what is believed to be the largest seizure of dried sea cucumbers to date, after a joint enforcement operation uncovered 1.8 tonnes of the protected marine species in Sibu.

The Integrated Khazanah Operation was carried out by officers from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) together with the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) on Monday (April 20).

The haul was discovered during checks on suspected violations of permit conditions involving the trade of the protected species.

According to SFC, the confiscated consignment of dried sea cucumbers is believed to have exceeded the limits set under the approved permit.

“All items were seized for further investigation,” it said in a statement.

A total of 1.8 tonnes of dried sea cucumbers seized by SFC and AKPS on suspected violations of permit conditions involving the trade of the protected species in Sibu on April 20, 2026.

SFC stressed that strict compliance with wildlife permit conditions is essential to ensure sustainable and controlled management of natural resources.

“Firm enforcement action will continue to be taken against any parties found breaching regulations,” it added.

Several sea cucumber species are protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998 and are also listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Among them are white teatfish (Holothuria (Microthele) fuscogilva), black teatfish (Holothuria (Microthele) nobilis), Holothuria (Microthele) whitmaei, and sandfish (Holothuria lessoni).

Authorities noted that these species are highly sought after in international markets, particularly in dried form for food and traditional medicinal use, making them vulnerable to overexploitation.

Beyond their economic value, sea cucumbers play a vital ecological role as “ecosystem engineers”, helping recycle nutrients, improve sediment quality, and maintain seabed habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds.

“Their decline could significantly disrupt marine ecosystem balance. Given their slow reproduction rate, high market demand, and ecological importance, stricter controls under CITES and local wildlife laws are necessary to ensure long-term marine sustainability,” SFC stressed.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious wildlife-related activities to enforcement authorities to support ongoing conservation and enforcement efforts. — DayakDaily