KUALA LUMPUR – Alleged instances of protected wildlife species being traded via Facebook have attracted the attention of the Peninsular Malaysia Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).
Checks by The Vibes on January 28 revealed that there are several groups on the social media platform where animals are being advertised for sale.
One of them, called “Jual Beli Haiwan Kelantan” (Buy and Sell Kelantan Animals), stands out.
But not everything sold in the group appears illegal, as Facebook users also advertise animals such as chickens, guinea pigs and ducks for sale.
However, a significant number of postings revealed that protected animals such as gibbons, leopard cats, owls, hawks, eagles and hornbills are also being put up on the market.
These postings have drawn attention from potential buyers, who requested to contact the sellers via private messaging.
Some of the comments from potential buyers queried if Perhilitan would issue licences to keep these animals.
The sellers merely replied: “They don’t issue a licence for this.”
Upon sending screenshots of these advertisements to Perhilitan Director-General Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, he confirmed that such sales are not allowed.
Perhilitan contacted The Vibes via Facebook to confirm that it is investigating the matter in cooperation with other enforcement agencies to determine the identities of the Facebook accounts and if there are other criminal offences committed by the sellers.
They added that Perhilitan found that the Facebook users are middlemen.
It is being determined if there are other individuals or groups involved in the matter.
One of the prominent sellers is offering primate species such as the dusky leaf monkey and leopard cats for sale – which the administrator advertises as “polka dot cat”.
Meanwhile, another Facebook user, who was also advertising leopard cat kittens, suggested in a WhatsApp conversation that it is possible to obtain a young sun bear for RM2,500.
However, the user pointed out that it would take a while for the sale to be concluded, as it is tough to find the species, after which he promoted the sale of his leopard cats.
Last year, Parliament passed the Wildlife Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2021.
Following the passing of the amendment, the introduction of Section 88B prohibits the promotion of any wildlife for business dealings unless they are licenced.
Flouting this provision can lead to a fine between RM50,000 and RM100,000, a jail term not exceeding five years or both. – The Vibes, February 5, 2022
