As the Year of the Tiger approaches, there are impassioned calls to the government to sharpen its legal claws for greater protection of wildlife.

Already, three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called for a stronger and more comprehensive wildlife law as their campaign to this effect, nears 18 months.

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and WWF-Malaysia want the tabling and adoption of amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, at the next session of Parliament.

In a joint statement today, they noted that the legislation which was meant to protect wildlife against domestic threats like poaching, had failed to be a deterrent.

Instead, the legislation continued to allow wildlife criminals to escape justice, it said.

Nevertheless, the statement acknowledged that the government had addressed part of the problem, with the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 coming into force in a week's time.

"This new law, which governs the import and export of wildlife, is timely.

"However, Malaysia also needs a strong legislation to combat wildlife crime that occurs inside the country.

"Therefore, amending the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 must be made a priority, if our wildlife is to stand a chance," MNS executive director Dr Loh Chi Leong was quoted in the statement.

Sending a strong signal

Meanwhile, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia Acting Director Chris R Shepherd said, only powerful tools, such as strong legislation, would enable the authorities to combat wildlife crimes effectively.

"The Year of the Tiger is approaching and the eyes of the world will soon be upon us.

"Tabling amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 in Parliament, as soon as possible, will send a strong signal to the public that Malaysia is committed to improving protection of tigers and their prey," said Dr Dionysius Sharma, chief executive officer of WWF-Malaysia.

The three organisations urged the government not to delay the tabling of the law any further and hoped that all parties would give it the support it sorely needed.

- Bernama