Malaysia: Pangolins in danger of being wiped out

The Star 3 Feb 12;

PETALING JAYA: Pangolins are in danger of serious decline in Malaysia due to the rampant illegal trade of the protected species.

Penang Perhilitan director Jamalun Nasir Ibrahim said this was a big problem in the country.

“We have been carrying extensive enforcement activities and managed to solve two cases last year.

“Two people involved in the first case involving 135 pangolins have been charged and sentenced, while the second case involving 35 pangolins is still pending in court,'' he said.

Traffic South-East Asia deputy regional director Chris Shepherd said there had been many incidents of pangolins being seized in the country or coming out of Malaysia over the last few years.

On the recent arrest of two Malaysian pangolin smugglers in Thailand, he said the authorities must identify the illegal trade chain.

“They should investigate to find out who are behind the illegal trading of pangolins and the middlemen and traders involved.''

Thai media reported that the men were arrested on Monday with 45 pangolins weighing over 100kg stashed under the back seat of their vehicle while passing through southern Thailand's inbound border checkpoint in Sadao district.