Malaysia: Wildlife trafficking drops 80%

Joseph Sipalan The Star 15 Mar 12;

PUTRAJAYA: Wildlife trafficking cases have dropped by over 80% since the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 came into force.

Wildlife Department figures showed that just 464 cases were recorded last year, compared to an average of 3,500 cases a year between 2007-2010.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas said this was a positive development in the fight to save the country's natural environment.

"I'm very happy to note that the Act has had an effect. We've learned from the previous Act, that one main ingredient is deterrent (penalties).

"Wildlife trade is not an option. It is illegal and destroys our bio-diversity, and be assured that you will be caught," he said after launching the Where's My Mama 2.0 campaign here Thursday.