Fong Kee Soon The Star 20 Mar 12;
The state Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) rescued 18 pangolins as the animals were being transported in a car.
Perhilitan officers spotted the car, a black Proton Perdana, at 2.30am as the vehicle overtook them on the East-West Highway near Gerik last Saturday.
“Based on its registration number, they identified the car as suspected of being involved in wildlife smuggling.
“They trailed the car before apprehending the driver at a petrol station.
“Following a search they discovered the pangolins, which were kept in 16 blue-coloured plastic bags,” said the department’s spokesman in a press release on the same day of the arrest.
An adult passenger was also detained.
A report was then lodged at the Gerik police station whereupon the two male adults were remanded for further investigation.
Under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, the offence carries a fine of not less than RM50,000 and not more than RM100,000 or a jail term of up to three years or both.
Perhilitan urged the public to alert the department any activity suspected of contravening the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 at 1300-80-1010 or email pakp@wildlife.gov.my
