The Malaysian General Operations Force (GOF) seized four exotic birds valued at about RM100,200 near the illegal Kak Nah jetty in Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan, on June 2, 2026 [1]. The birds, consisting of two Blue-and-Gold Macaws and two Blue-fronted Amazon parrots, were found in abandoned cages and believed to have been smuggled without valid permits. GOF Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain confirmed the absence of permits during the inspection and announced the case was handed over to the Kelantan Department of Wildlife and National Parks for investigation under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 [1].
On June 5, Australian authorities conducted a raid in Bathurst, seizing more than 100,000 illegally bred cockroaches, including Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches [2]. The cockroaches had an estimated black market value of US$140,000 (approximately RM565,000). An Australian environment department spokesman said, "We take our job protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity and breaches of national environment law very seriously. We’re seeing illegal breeding and trading of exotic cockroaches and we’re putting pet businesses and pet owners on notice" [2].
The Malaysian bird seizure was publicly announced by the GOF commander on June 3, emphasizing enforcement against exotic wildlife smuggling [1]. Both cases reflect authorities’ ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and protect native ecosystems.
The next step involves the Kelantan Department of Wildlife and National Parks continuing its investigation into the smuggled birds. Australian authorities also indicated further enforcement actions against illegal exotic insect breeding and trading operations will continue to safeguard biodiversity [1, 2].
