AUTHORITIES have conducted the largest seizure of wildlife parts and organs in the country to date, confiscating items valued at RM36.8 million, including hundreds of python and bear gallbladders, in a major operation in Taman Johor Jaya.
The raid, carried out by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) at around 9:50pm on Saturday, uncovered a wide array of wildlife products believed to be intended for the black market.
PERHILITAN Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the operation exposed the brazen and ongoing nature of illegal wildlife crime in Malaysia.
“The inspection uncovered 602 units of python gallbladders, 420 units of bear gallbladders, as well as dozens of compressed blocks believed to be tiger and primate parts.
“We also seized 191 snake body parts along with mobile phones suspected to have been used to facilitate illicit transactions,” he told local media.
A Vietnamese man was arrested during the raid and taken to PERHILITAN Johor State Office for further investigation.
“This case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act A1646), which carries penalties of up to RM1 million in fines or 15 years’ imprisonment for offences relating to smuggling, possession, and trading of wildlife parts,” Abdul Kadir added.
Authorities also confirmed ongoing collaboration with other enforcement agencies to trace the wider syndicate, which is believed to operate on an international scale.
“PERHILITAN urges the public to report any suspicious activities related to wildlife. Illegal trade not only violates the law but also threatens the survival of species and disrupts the ecological balance of the nation,” he said.
The operation underscores Malaysia’s commitment to cracking down on wildlife trafficking, a crime that continues to imperil endangered species despite stringent legal frameworks. - April 5, 2026
