Three men were spotted allegedly poaching shellfish and crabs at the mudflats of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Sunday. According to Nature Trekker guide Ben Lee, who was conducting a tour of the area, he spotted the trio scooping shellfish and small crabs into large plastic bags around 5:20pm.
The 54-year-old, a faithful visitor of the reserve for the past two decades, told The Straits Times that one man appeared to be in his late 40s, while the other two looked like they were in their 20s. All three were dressed in tees and bermudas, and were reportedly digging determinedly for the creatures over half an hour.
After taking pictures of the men, Lee notified the National Parks Board (NParks) about the situation, TODAY noted. About 30 to 45 minutes later, NParks staff arrived at the scene, confiscated the items from the trio, and escorted them out of the reserve.
Lee said he believes it’s likely the men dug up the shellfish and crabs for personal consumption or to sell. He also admitted that this isn’t the first time he’s seen an illegal poaching case at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Under the Parks and Trees Act, no one is allowed to capture, displace, or feed any animal in a national park or nature reserve without getting the approval of the commissioner of parks and recreation.
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