Malaysian Wildlife Dept seizes more than 5,000kg of exotic meat

The Star 10 Mar 09;

KANGAR: The Wildlife and National Park Department (Perhilitan) seized more than 5,000kg of wild boar meat and that of other exotic species, after raiding a premise not far from the Malaysia-Thailand border near Padang Besar Monday.

Deputy director for Perhilitan’s Enforcement Unit Celescoriano Razond said 27 wild boar heads, chunks of meat, the remains of 54 civet cats and 10 black longtailed monkeys were also seized and a 50-year-old man detained during the raid.

Celescoriano told reporters Tuesday that the raid was carried out after the department monitored the man’s activities.

He added that the man, who will be charged at the Kangar Magistrate’s Court on April 9 under Section 68 of the Protection of Wildlife Act 1972, was later released on bail.

Celescoriano said initial investigations revealed that the man had a licence to trade 5,000kg of wild boar, but the amount found in his possession exceeded 5,000kg while wild boar meat only accounted for about 2,000kg.

The seized products, worth about RM50,000, are believed to be headed to Thailand where such exotic meat was in great demand, he said. -- Bernama