Malaysia: Online illegal wildlife trader held

Lee Keng Fatt New Straits Times 14 Nov 10;

GEORGE TOWN: The state Wildlife and National Parks Department has detained another alleged wildlife smuggler who operated online.

The man, in his 40s, was caught trying to sell a "Bird-of-Paradise" which he obtained from Indonesia.

It is not immediately known if he was arrested after being "trapped" in a sting by undercover officers from the department.

The department got wind of his illegal activities recently and had been observing him closely.

Department director Jamalun Nasir Ibrahim said the man was arrested on Thursday.

"We have recorded a statement from him and are investigating his background, including his previous dealings," he said, adding that the man was released on bail.

The department has recently increased its network of informers to provide information of illegal wildlife trade activities, including peddling of endangered animals through the Internet.

The man is the second person in the state to be caught following the arrest of "Lizard King" Anson Wong in August, who tried to export 95 boa constrictors without a permit.

Wong was sentenced to five years' jail after the Shah Alam High Court allowed an appeal for a heavier sentence against him.