Three Indonesians held for Matang reserve intrusion

KUCHING: Three Indonesian nationals were detained for allegedly entering the Matang Nature Reserve without permission yesterday (Sept 20).

Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said its rangers detected the three suspects inside the nature reserve during an enforcement operation.

Several items were seized during the operation, including a mist net, two machetes, a bird cage and a plastic container with fish inside.

“The items are believed to be linked to the suspects’ activities within the reserve.

“The three suspects were subsequently taken to the Kuching Central Police Station for further action,” it said in a Facebook post.

The three suspects were brought before the Kuching Magistrates’ Court this morning (Sept 21), where a four-day remand order was granted to facilitate further investigations.

SFC stressed that trespassing, unauthorised entry or illegal activities within totally protected areas (TPAs) are serious offences and would not be taken lightly.

It added that patrols, monitoring and enforcement would continue to protect Sarawak’s nature reserves, wildlife habitats and biodiversity from illegal activities.