THE Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) appreciates the issue and suggestions highlighted by Dr Dionysius S.K. Sharma of WWF-Malaysia in his letter ”Securing the Future of Tigers in the Wild” (The Star, Feb 5).

On the press release by Traffic on the seizure of wild cats and pangolins in Thailand, Perhilitan has communicated with the Thai counterparts to help determine whether the wildlife seized originated from Malaysia through wildlife DNA fingerprinting.

The National Tiger Action Plan, developed by Perhilitan in collaboration with the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (Mycat) with the goal of sustaining wild tiger populations in Peninsular Malaysia beyond the 22nd century, is under final review by the Government.

While awaiting final approval of this action plan, the Government and NGOs involved have begun implementing some of the actions stipulated in the plan.

Perhilitan is also strengthening the staffing at 17 exit/entry points and collaborating with enforcement agencies such as police, Customs, Immigration, army, anti-smuggling unit, airport police and maritime agency to curb wildlife poaching and smuggling.

Perhilitan is also revising the existing wildlife legislation to impose higher penalty for those convicted for crime against wildlife, especially the tiger.

NOR AZEAN HASAN,

PR officer for secretary-general,

Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

Source: The Star – March 1, 2008