PBK chief to accompany bird's nest entrepreneurs to MACC over seized products
Voon (second left) and party members point to a photo on a mobile phone held by Wong (third from right) during the press conference, showing the condition of his premises after a raid by authorities. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (June 4): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan has announced plans to accompany several bird's nest entrepreneurs to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to seek clarity and possibly lodge a report regarding a case involving the seizure of their products by authorities.
According to him, the entrepreneurs claimed they had been wronged by enforcement agencies following raids conducted about two years ago in Sibu and surrounding areas.
'One of the affected entrepreneurs, who wished to be identified only as Wong, is present at the press conference today.
'Wong operated a licensed bird's nest business that included farming and export but suffered losses of approximately RM1 million after his products were seized during the raid,' he said during a press conference held at a local hotel today.
Voon claimed the raids, allegedly carried out by officers who identified themselves as Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) personnel, left many entrepreneurs shocked and confused.
The police and marine police were also present but were reportedly stationed outside the premises for security purposes, he added.
Voon described the authorities' actions as 'high-handed' and alleged an abuse of power.
'The entrepreneurs told us they were not given any explanation as to why the raids were carried out. There was no room for negotiation or proper consultation. They were simply raided, and their properties taken.
'We understand that across the central region, including Sibu, the total estimated value of bird's nest products seized from multiple businesses is around RM4 million,' he said.
Voon added that the affected parties had previously raised the issue with elected representatives, including federal and state ministers, but had not received any resolution.
He said Wong, like others in the industry, remains in the dark about the case's outcome and the status of the seized goods.
'This is not a small industry. The bird's nest trade is a multi-million-ringgit business in Sarawak and provides livelihoods to many. Based on our estimates, this issue has affected the income of at least 200,000 people in the state.'
Voon stressed that his role is solely to accompany the entrepreneurs, who are seeking advice from the MACC on how best to address the matter.
'This matter does not affect just one man, it impacts an entire industry and the people who depend on it,' Voon said. bird's nest entrepreneurs lead MACC Voon Lee Shan
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