I refer to the Malaysiakini report Ban on monkey trading lifted . The decision by the Malaysian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to lift the ban on monkey trading has shocked wildlife enthusiasts locally and internationally.

More than a century ago when naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace visited the Peninsular Malaysia; it was covered with fascinating rainforests. Wallace collected numerous new species of ants, beetles, butterflies and birds. Today, most of the rainforests have been replaced by palm oil plantations.

The monkeys that traditionally used the rainforest for survival have been pushed to their limits to face humans in an urbanised environment. With the ever shrinking natural forests and less availability of natural food sources, the monkeys are now adapting to the unique human creations of concrete jungles and palm plantations.

In view of the fact that people in Malaysia seized the wildlife's land for development, they should take the responsibility of relocating the monkeys to a more suitable environment or find some alternate humane solutions. Apparently, since there are no other forest areas large enough to hold hundreds of monkeys, the easier solution was taken to lift the ban so that the unwanted monkeys can be shipped out.

It is time to remember that monkeys belong to the zoological order of primates and humans are part of it. Like us, the monkeys have a complex social order and behavior. We do not have the right to disrupt their normal social life. We certainly cannot wipe out a species of monkey if it no longer suits us.

I urge the Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Azmi Khalid to reevaluate this matter and reinstate the monkey trade ban so that Malaysia can be remembered as a nation that treats not only humans but also monkeys fairly without prejudice.