KUALA LUMPUR – Beginning today, those found guilty of illegal smuggling of totally protected wildlife will be liable to a whopping maximum fine of RM1 million and imprisonment for up to 15 years.
This is among several amendments made to the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 that will come into force today as part of the government’s efforts to deter crimes related to wildlife, including poaching and trading.
In a statement, the peninsular Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) said in total, 44 sections under an amendment made to the act in 2021 will begin to be enforced.
Before today, those found guilty of illegally smuggling wildlife were only liable to a fine of between RM30,000 and RM100,000, and imprisonment of not more than three years.
The amendment to Section 71 of the act – raising the fine to RM1 million for those who import, export or re-export wildlife without a special permit – is necessary considering that wildlife are regarded as invaluable national treasures, Perhilitan said.
“This offence is considered a transnational organised crime and must be stopped. By increasing the penalty through the amendment, it will send a clear message to smugglers that they need to stop their activities.
“The increase in fine and prison term is to ensure that the wildlife continue to be preserved for future generations.”
The amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Act were first passed in the Dewan Rakyat in October 2021, before sailing through Dewan Negara in December the same year.
In total, 63 amendments were made to the act, five new provisions were introduced, while seven existing provisions were repealed.
Meanwhile, Perhilitan said in line with the enforcement of parts of the amendments today, the department is determined to continue with its Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme.
This includes joint operations on wildlife preservation involving police, the Customs Department, Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department, relevant state agencies and non-governmental organisations.
Perhilitan also expressed hope that the Wildlife Crime Bureau set up last year under the Royal Malaysia Police will assist in the enforcement of the latest amendments.
The department urged members of the public with information on wildlife-related crimes to relay them to Perhilitan immediately. – The Vibes, February 1, 2023
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