The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) has detained six Vietnamese nationals including two women suspected of being involved in wildlife poaching activities on Wednesday.

Perhilitan director-general Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the suspects, aged between 20 and 40 were detained in an operation conducted at a sawmill in Kuala Lipis, Pahang.

He said wildlife parts including tiger skins, bear teeth and claws worth about RM500,000 were also seized.

"Investigations revealed that all the suspects who possess valid travel documents are believed to have been actively involved in illegal hunting activities for the past three years.

"They are also believed to be the middlemen in the wildlife smuggling activities," he told a press conference at the Perhilitan headquarters here today.

Abdul Kadir said all the suspects were remanded until Wednesday to facilitate investigations under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).

- Bernama