The confiscation this week from four Indian nationals, of over 1,000 tortoises (not turtles) further illustrates what Nature Alert and Malaysian Friends of the Animals have been saying for many years - namely, there is a rampant illegal trade in tortoises in Malaysia that has gone unimpeded by law-enforcement.

In fact, the trade has until now been allegedly largely helped along by the absence of law enforcement.

You only have to visit pet shops to see these illegally wild-caught animals openly for sale. Perhilitan have allegedly always turned a blind eye to our reports.

Now, for their sins, Perhilitan have to care for and hopefully repatriate these tortoises before they die in their hands.

Surely it is preferable and cheaper to prevent law-breaking than to handle the consequences of allowing criminals to profit from their illegal activities, isn’t it? i.e. How can you keep healthy and feed 1,000 tortoises, every day?

It’s doubtful any single buyer would want more than 10 of these tortoises at one time. This means, there are up to 100 people who have placed orders in advance. How many of these people will be arrested and prosecuted?

Probably none, if the past is anything to go by. Let’s wait and see if Perhilitan will, as they allegedly often do, find no Malaysians to arrest.

SEAN WHYTE is the chief executive of Nature Alert, and JENNIFER YEAP is with Malaysian Friends of the Animals.