Wildlife Dept waiting for DNA results of orangutans
The DNA sampling of orangutans held at a resort in Malacca were conducted last week as part of efforts to determine whether they are of the endangered Sumatran species, said the Wildlife Department today.
The DNA sampling of orangutans held at a resort in Malacca were conducted last week as part of efforts to determine whether they are of the endangered Sumatran species, said the Wildlife Department today.
The department's director of the law and enforcement unit Misliah Mohd Basir did not disclose any further details regarding the sampling exercise, but added that it was for the Chemistry Department to conduct the analysis from the sampling obtained.
"The sampling exercise is not with my section anymore. We're waiting for the chemistry department. We don't know the results yet," she said when contacted.
The sampling exercise comes at the heels of allegations that about eight Sumatran orangutans, recognised as 'critically endangered' under the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), had been used in animal shows at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.
The shows were believed to have been held the past three years until a member of the public alleged in April that the organisers were unlawfully using the Sumatran orangutans for entertainment and commercial purposes.
The orangutans are currently at the A'Famosa Resort in Malacca. Malaysia is a signatory of CITES, which prohibits the commercial trade of the orangutans.
Proper proof
Asked on the confirmation by an expert that at least four of the orangutans featured in the shows at the Bird Park were 'definitely Sumatran' based on their physical characteristics and not the Bornean variety, Misliah said it did not diminish the value of DNA sampling.
"I have already said that it is better to conduct DNA sampling. Why do want to believe in mere physical characteristics. Whenever there is a need to prove things properly, we call in experts," she said.
"Once there are the results (from the Chemistry Department), then it would be all the more easier to accuse people, isn't it? There's no need to argue," said an irate Misliah.
Contacted later, a Chemistry Department official confirmed that the sampling was made "sometime last week", but said "one could not be certain when" the analysis can be completed and results obtained.
