Owning a pet is certainly a wonderful experience. Lively ‘’songbirds’’ such as Zebra Doves, also known as Merbok birds, are known to have distinguished vocals. However, if you are thinking of bringing them back to Singapore to be kept as a pet, think again. In a case of an illegal importation of such feathered ones, the birds might not have survived the arduous trip, let alone showing off their vocal prowess.  

 


Merbok birds
(Source: www.nokkhao.com)

2 On 12 August 2009 at about 0100hrs, a Malaysia-registered tour bus arriving at the Woodlands Checkpoint was directed for routine inspection at the Arrival Bus Concourse. During the course of checks, the ICA officer discovered two cloth bags hanging on the seat lever near the back of the bus, seemingly abandoned. Sensing something amiss, the officer immediately questioned the bus driver who managed to help identify the passenger.



Hanging innocuously at the side of the seat

3 A total of 7 live Merbok birds, also known as the ‘’songbirds’’ were detected lying nestled in their colourful bags. Upon further questioning, the 66-year-old Malaysian, also a Singapore permanent resident, claimed ownership of the birds. He claimed that the birds were given to him as gifts by a friend when the bus stopover at a town in Johor, Malaysia. The case was referred to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) for further investigations.

4 The importation of live birds without an AVA permit is a violation of the Animals and Birds Act, which carries a maximum penalty of $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year.

5 Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The enhanced security checks are critical to our nation’s security. We have tightened our security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands. In view of the potential danger of avian flu, we would like to advise the public against the smuggling of birds, poultry and poultry products into Singapore.


IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
14 August 2009