SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) refers to an interview with a convicted wildlife smuggler and the revelation that Malaysia is a “Wildlife hotspot” some months ago. Following the big splash in the media the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry stepped in to investigate allegations of special permit abuses.

There were also calls to the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) by animal conservation groups. There were also calls by the Penang Government to reveal details of the special permit. It has been several months since and much to our dismay there is no response from the ministry, the police and the MACC.

These three agencies must take a serious view of the case as Malaysia’s image has been tarnished by its reputation as a hub for a multi-billion ringgit global trade in illegal wildlife. Results of the findings should be revealed.

It is the sole responsibility of the Natural Resources Ministry and Wildlife Department to promote effective wildlife law enforcement.

What is needed is an overhaul of the policing of the illegal wildlife trade and an urgent need for monitoring of the traffic of Malaysian wildlife.

The issue of special permit which regulates the collection of animals and permits the keeping of totally protected species by zoos, theme parks and individuals should be examined closely.

There is an absence of a monitoring mechanism of how and where endangered species are sourced from or how they end up in such animal establishments. The granting of special permits to these establishments will only perpetuate the trade in illegal wildlife.

SAM calls on the ministry, police and the MACC to release the findings of their investigation which is long overdue.

S. M. Mohd Idris
President
Sahabat Alam Malaysia

Source: The Sun – October 29, 2009