WWF 15 Jan 09;
Kuala Lumpur – Following the recent seizure of tiger carcasses in Prachuap, Thailand, conservation groups are calling for better legal and on-the-ground protection of Malaysia’s remaining 500 wild tigers.
The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) , TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society (Malaysia Programme) and WWF-Malaysia are alarmed that such a case could occur, especially with the newly launched National Tiger Action Plan for Malaysia to double Malaysia’s tigers.
“Illegal trade is the most urgent and immediate threat to wild tigers, having the greatest potential to do maximum harm in the shortest span of time. With a thriving international market for tiger products, there appears to be a large and very well-connected network of hunters and traders that target tigers in the region,” said Azrina Abdullah, Regional Director of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia.
The carcasses, believed to have been smuggled from Malaysia, were on its way to China, where demand for tiger parts for use in traditional medicine and as an exotic dish is still high.
“Wildlife crime is not considered a priority within Malaysia’s judicial system and penalties for such crimes are often extremely low and therefore do not serve as a deterrent. Time and again wildlife offenders often escape arrest, prosecution and punishment,” said Dr Loh Chi Leong, MNS Executive Director.
In 2005, 23-year old Ang Chun Tan was fined a mere RM7,000 after he was found guilty with a carcass of a tiger cut in four in his fridge, but Malaysia’s Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 listed the punishment for the crime of possessing a tiger with a maximum penalty of RM15,000 fine, or a jail term not exceeding five years.
Out of the 80 actions outlined in the National Tiger Action Plan for Malaysia, 17 are specifically focused on improved intelligence driven anti-poaching patrol of key forests and enforcement of wildlife and wildlife trade laws. This being the largest proportion of actions for an issue within the entire Plan, clearly sends a warning sign on the gravity of the situation where tiger-related crimes are concerned.
According to the CEO of WWF-Malaysia Dato’ Dr. Dionysius Sharma, patrolling and enforcement efforts in our forests, especially at the Malaysia–Thai border, needs to be beefed up urgently.
“With the current economic crisis, more of our natural resources will be smuggled out. Our borders need to be locked down to prevent poachers from entering or exiting with our precious wildlife. Border security could be greatly improved with additional support from the army, police, and maybe even RELA,” he said.
“We urge the authorities to expedite the amendment of the Protection of Wildlife Act 1972, with the aim for improved wildlife protection with a newly reformed legislation to further support and reinforce national conservation efforts,” Dr. Loh said.
This is a joint press release by the Malaysian Nature Society, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society (Malaysia Programme) and WWF-Malaysia.
