(Kuching, 15th) Sarawak Forestry Corporation CEO Abang Arabi stated that the dead whale found in Batang Lupar, Sri Aman province three weeks ago has been identified as a Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis).
This identification was confirmed through a DNA test conducted by the corporation's Forensic and Genetic Resources Unit, Biodiversity Conservation, and Research Division, referencing the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
On the 19th of last month, local residents first revealed the whale carcass via social media near Seduku Island (Pulau Seduku).
Four days later, the corporation's team discovered the severely decayed carcass on the river near the Triso bridge construction site.
This finding marks the first confirmed record of a Sei whale in Sarawak waters.
According to published literature and recent research results, other large whale species previously recorded in Sarawak include the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
With the inclusion of the Sei whale, the total number of marine mammal species recorded in Sarawak's coastal and offshore waters has reached 25.
“The high diversity of marine mammal species reflects the health and pristine condition of Sarawak's marine environment.”
In this regard, Abang Arabi urges the public to report to the corporation if they possess any information related to the hunting, trading, or keeping of protected and fully protected wildlife.
Information can be shared via the following hotline numbers: Kuching area: 019-8859996, Sibu area: 084-349455, Bintulu area: 086-339842, and Miri area: 019-8290994.