We refer to a Malaysiakini article entitled ' Malaysia is king of pangolin trade '.
We would like reiterate that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (DWNP) have always been serious in curbing wildlife smuggling in this country.
The Department is very concerned with the number of pangolins killed for illegal trade as revealed by Traffic SEA based on the log books seized from a syndicate in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah recently.
In this regard, we wish to inform that the DWNP never issued any permit to export pangolin from Peninsular Malaysia as the animal is totally protected under the Protection of Wildlife Act 1972 (Act 76). The International Trade in Endangered Species Act (Act 686) however, listed this species under Appendix 2 which requires permit to export. The ready demand for this species in certain countries has caused some parties to smuggle these animals. This is based on number of smuggling attempts foiled by the department.
Between 2007 and 2010, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia recorded 66 attempts to smuggle pangolins out of the country. A total of 2575 pangolins were confiscated from the smugglers with the arrest of 96 suspects. Thirty six cases were successfully prosecuted in court.
In curbing wildlife smuggling, the department has created 13 border check-points to prevent cross border wildlife smuggling. Meanwhile, the International Trade in Endangered Species Act (Act 686) has been enforced recently to deter the illegal trade and smuggling of wildlife and successfully brought four cases to court. Sentences such as imprisonment from 6 months to a year and fine between RM 15,000.00 to RM 190,000.00 have been delivered by the court.
Under Section 10 of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act (Act 686), any person who imports or exports any scheduled species without a permit commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable- where such person is an individual, to a fine not exceeding RM100,000 for each animal, plant, or readily recognisable part or derivative of the animal or plant, of the scheduled species but such fine shall not exceed in the aggregate of one million ringgit, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or to both.
The Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, which will be enforced by the end of year, will introduce tougher penalties and offer more protection for wildlife, including pangolins in Peninsular Malaysia. Under Section 68(2)(a) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), any person committing offence under sub-section (1) involving more than 20 pangolins (manis javanica) is liable to a fine of not less than fifty thousand ringgit and not more than one hundred thousand ringgit or imprisonment for a period of not more than three years or both.
In view of this, the Ministry would like to engage the larger public including NGOs, wildlife activist, animal lovers and all relevant stakeholders to work hand-in-hand with the Government in its efforts to combat wildlife crime to ensure the sustainability of our rich biodiversity heritage.
Yamuna Perimalu, Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Putrajaya
