KUALA LUMPUR – Illegal importers and exporters of protected wildlife could soon see themselves spending up to 15 years in prison, while poachers may be fined a maximum RM1 million if found guilty.
This is after the Dewan Rakyat passed a bill to amend the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 via a simple voice vote, which will see an overhaul in its legislation, largely pertaining to punishments against offenders.
In total, 63 amendments will be made and five new provisions will be introduced to the act, while seven existing provisions are set to be repealed.
The bill now has to go through the Dewan Negara and obtain approval from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before being gazetted into law.
In tabling the bill earlier today, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan had said that the amendments are in line with current needs as the government bids to curb wildlife-related crimes.
“The act, as it is today, is not able to reduce these crimes, which will eventually lead to the extinction of wildlife,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
“The amendment is not only meant to protect wildlife, but also their habitats.”
Takiyuddin pointed out that presently, the act only provides a maximum prison term of ten years and fines of RM500,000 for the most major offences.
The increase to 15 years’ imprisonment and a RM1 million penalty are to serve as prevention and to educate offenders, according to the minister.
The full bill can be viewed here:
Among the main amendments is the introduction of a new provision under Section 49 of the act, which will impose a RM1 million fine on those guilty of hunting any animal or disturbing, damaging, or destroying their nests or eggs.
Those who import, export, or re-export any totally protected wildlife will also face similar fines, as well as a maximum of 15 years in prison. A similar prison term will be imposed on those guilty of hunting or keeping immature protected species.
Additionally, the bill also includes new provisions to penalise those who organise wildlife shows and promote wildlife.
“I am confident this bill will ensure the conservation of wildlife through a more efficient and effective monitoring, management, and enforcement system,” he said.
Takiyuddin said prior to the tabling of the bill, the Wildlife and National Parks Department had conducted engagement sessions with state governments and animal rights groups.
An online consultation was also held between 2019 and July this year, with 97% of respondents agreeing with the proposed amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Act. – The Vibes, October 26, 2021
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